Shashi Tharoor praises Kerala's industrial growth and Modi's US visit; leaves Congress red-faced

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shashi Tharoor MP, a Congress Working Committee member, has put his party in a difficult position with his remarks praising the excellent industrial atmosphere created by the Pinarayi government and lauding the Prime Minister's visit to the United States. State Congress leaders have filed complaints against Tharoor with the high command, and AICC General Secretary (Organization) K.C. Venugopal publicly rejected his statements.

With local body and assembly elections approaching, the opposition has been strongly challenging the government's claims of an industrial boom in Kerala, both inside and outside the assembly. Amidst this, Tharoor, in an article published in The Indian Express, praised the state for launching 300 industrial ventures in the past 18 months, citing statistics that position Kerala at the forefront of industrial growth. He also highlighted Kerala’s success in the startup sector. Later, speaking to reporters, Tharoor reiterated that good work should be acknowledged, regardless of who does it.

Congress leaders caught off guard
Tharoor’s remarks, which seemingly counter the opposition’s attacks, have shocked the Congress leadership. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan rejected Tharoor's remarks and questioned the credibility of the statistics cited by the Thiruvananthapuram MP. Tharoor later replied to this by asking the Opposition Leader to read his article. KPCC President K. Sudhakaran avoided the issue, stating that he had not read the article. Senior leader K. Muraleedharan mockingly remarked that, as an ordinary Congress worker, he was not the right person to respond to Tharoor. Meanwhile, K.C. Venugopal dismissed Tharoor’s claims as lacking a realistic perspective.

Appreciation from Chief Minister and CPM
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised Tharoor for openly stating the facts. CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan also commended Tharoor, stating that his analysis accurately reflected the developmental progress achieved under the Pinarayi government.