Tharoor slams opposition’s ‘sectarian’ remark
KANNUR: Shashi Tharoor, who is on a multi-day tour of Malabar as part of his latest initiative to be active in state politics, on Wednesday dismissed allegations of ploting sectarianism in Congress party by throwing to winds the “warnings” of Opposition Leader VD Satheesan.
"i’m not scared of anyone,” Tharoor told media persons here ater visiting Bishop Mar Joseph Pamplany on Wednesday.
Tharoor briefed about his schedules and wondered how he ignited sectarianism in the party through his visits and talks with community leaders, religious heads, writers and cultural leaders.
He asserted that it is usual to call on important persons during Kerala visits.
Tharoor also atended a programme at Mahila College to interact with students on the topic of women empowerment, a commemoration programme of AP Mohammed Musliyar, who passed away the other day, and later inaugurated the oration series organised by Mathrubhumi daily in Kozhikode.
"it has been my 14th year in politics. I have not sneered at anyone yet. It is not my way. I am not scared of anyone. It will be beter if they remained with me as usual,” Tharoor said.
He visited Muslim League state president Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Congress president in Malappuram, renowned historian MGS Narayanan, former minister Cyriac John, influential Sunni leader Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar, and Civil Service Academy established in commemoration of Hyderali Shihab Thangal on Monday.
Tharoor also made fun of Congress leader Satheesan’s remark about the “inflated balloon.”
"you have not come here to blow up a balloon I hope,” Dr Tharoor told reporters in Kannur, taking a dig at Satheesan, ater meeting Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany.
"if you are asking about some people saying that I and (MK) Raghavan (a lawmaker supporting him) are indulging in sectarian activities, we are sad to hear that.”
"if you look at the various people we met and programmes we atended, what were the sectarian activities? I would like to know that,” he added.
On Thursday, Tharoor will deliver a speech on the onslaught of Sangh Parivar, on India’s secular fabric in Kotayam, ex-chief minister Oomen Chandy’s home turf.
The Youth Congress is the organiser of the seminar in Eratupeta town, once a stronghold of the Congress party now snatched away by its rivals. The programme reportedly has Chandy’s blessings and none of his camp followers, barring former minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, has spoken against it.