Tharoor in trouble for his cattle class remark

Facing an all-round attack for his "cattle class" remark,Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor “tweeted” his apology around midnight on Thursday night to all those hurt by his “cattle class” remark. Tweeting from Liberia, Mr. Tharoor’s apology came a day after the Congress party publicly reprimanded him for stating that he would travel “cattle class in solidarity with all our holy cows” in a message posted on the social networking site Twitter.

Tharoor ran into trouble for a message he posted on the social networking site Twitter in which he said sarcastically in response to a query that he would travel "cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows!"

So the controversy started with the below tweet from Kanchan Gupta currently associate editor of The Pioneer

Shashi Tharoor responded to the tweet:


Congress Spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan had termed the phrase as "unacceptable" and said Tharoor was perhaps not conscious of local sensitivities since he was new to Indian politics.

The Minister, who is in Liberia on an official visit, tweeted late night on Thursday that he had, "learned belatedly of fuss over my tweet replying to journo's query whether I would travel to Kerala in 'cattle class'."

He pointed out that the phrase "cattle class" was used in the query, which he just repeated.

"It's a silly expression but means no disrespect to economy travellers, only to airlines for herding us in like cattle. Many have misunderstood," he tweeted.

He admitted that if the phrase when translated into Malayalam sounded worse, especially if taken out of context. "To those hurt by the belief that my repeating the phrase showed contempt: sorry," said Tharoor.

He also explained that the word "holy cows" was not referring to any individuals. "Holy cows are not individuals but sacrosanct issues or principles that no one dares challenge. Wish critics would look it up."

The Minister said that he had learnt a lesson from the episode. "I now realise I should not assume people will appreciate humour. You should not give those who would willfully distort your words an opportunity to do so."

Besides, Tharoor also mentioned that he had excellent meetings with the Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other dignitaries. He is the first minister in 38 years to visit the West African nation.

Unimpressed by his apology, Congress today did not rule out action against Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor for his 'cattle class' comments and virtually approved Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's statement seeking his resignation.

Party spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters here as the controversy surrounding his remarks snowballed further.

On Gehlot's demand for resignation of Tharoor, Tewari said,
Gehlot had said yesterday that it was unfortunate and unbecoming on Tharoor's part to make such "irresponsible" comments and he should tender his resignation.Late last night, Tharoor, currently in Liberia on an official visit, posted an apology on Twitter saying he meant no disrespect to economy class travellers.

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knoughtyd's Signature:

Basically some of the party workers were angry that a noob 1st time MP could make it direct to cabinet and anyway wanted him out.
So this is an excuse.

having said that, loose talk from such a senior diplomat is unexpected. Certainly not what you expect from a person aspiring to become UN General secretary.

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Safin's Signature:

Have Fun, Take part in debates, Read jokes, Ogle at Celebs; Just follow the Rules!

“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”

I kind of agree with him. It sure was immature to let those words out in public, but what else do you expect from someone above average if not pride and elitist mumbo-jumbo?

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Yamaraj's Signature:

PM gets Tharoor's joke, downplays his remark

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, who has been under fire for his "cattle class" travel remark, has got some reprieve. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called his remark “a joke”.

"It was a joke," said Singh in New Delhi when reporter asked him about the controversy over Tharoor’s remark.

Tharoor has apologised for his remark but the Congress on Friday indicated that it might take action against him.

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knoughtyd's Signature:

What is more shameful is the amount of prime time headlines being devoted to virtual cattles and not the real cattle's and the cattle owners. pun intended

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Safin's Signature:

Have Fun, Take part in debates, Read jokes, Ogle at Celebs; Just follow the Rules!

“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”

People have too much time on their hands.. like they said its just an excuse to get rid of him