Union minister Shashi Tharoor's "cattle class" remarks had created a controversy. Tharoor, who was on an official visit to Liberia and Ghana, when the controversy broke out, met Gandhi soon after his return.
Junior foreign minister and UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor is waking up to the grim reality of being part of the Indian political scene.
Tharoor, who never expected his “cattle class” remark will create such a storm, went to present his case before party president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday. No one knows what happened behind closed doors. For once, Tharoor did not stop to talk to reporters while leaving 10, Janpath.
Congress sources said Tharoor was “sternly advised” by Gandhi not to twitter on matters related to the party or the government. Gandhi probably gave him a first-hand lesson on how to avoid political minefields.
Senior party leaders said Tharoor was clearly told to “be very careful while making any comment on issues regarding the aam aadmi”.
Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said, “Any well-wisher of the party and government would advise him to desist from making comments, even in jest, that can hurt the sentiments of the common man.”
Tharoor also met prime minister Manmohan Singh later in the evening. Ministry of external affairs (MEA) sources said the meeting had nothing to do with the “cattle class” remark. They said Tharoor discussed his recent visit to Liberia and Ghana with the PM. “The ‘cattle class’ remark has already been dismissed by the PM as a joke, so why should that matter come up again. The minister briefed the PM on his visit to the African countries,’’ a senior official said.
Though the MEA brushed aside rumours that Tharoor got a dressing down from both Gandhi and the PM, the fact remains that in the cut-throat world of politics, knives are out to get the young minister who is a rank outsider. That a first-time MP has been made a minister is causing much heartburn in the party.
So when the normally savvy Tharoor got himself into all sorts of trouble with his cattle class remark, Congressmen saw the perfect opportunity to demand his removal.
Notwithstanding the clamour for his resignation, the party is unlikely to show Tharoor the door. As one wag said: “Why the fuss over the remark, when horse trading, which is a much more damaging word, is used regularly to describe politicians.’’ But this time, cattle class travel is being promoted not just by any one but Gandhi and her son Rahul.
Tharoor should be chastened by his bitter experience and is likely to curb his tweeting instincts now that he has been cautioned by none other than Gandhi.
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