Praise for Kerala's start-up sector; Tharoor's stand stirs up tensions within KPCC and UDF

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: MP Shashi Tharoor's remarks praising the industrial development in Kerala has resulted in a political perplexity. Tharoor still maintains that there is no mistake in his stand. Former Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said that if there has been any progress in Kerala, it is due to the tireless efforts of the UDF governments. KPCC President K Sudhakaran said that the Pinarayi government is computing industrial development by including poultry shops, roadside food stalls and closed shops.

AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and UDF Convener M.M. Hassan have also rejected Tharoor's stance. Tharoor, who praised the progress made by the industries department on Facebook, reiterated his stance to the media yesterday. He also wrote an explanatory note on social media, pointing out the past shortcomings of the CPM.

He said yesterday that there are still 15 months left for the elections and that there will be more opportunities to write about each issue.

"It is surprising that this has become such a big controversy. When I made similar points at the Kochi Chamber of Commerce three weeks ago, no one in the media paid attention. When the article came out, it became a big controversy. I am a Malayali who called 40 investors at my own expense and asked them to make a presentation and invest in Kerala when Elamaram Kareem came to New York as a minister. But no one was ready to invest. When I asked why, they said that they did not trust the Kerala government. A Malayali in the group said that there will be no obstacles caused by the red flag in Tamil Nadu. When the party that is holding the red flag itself changes the difficulty in bringing investment to Kerala, we should accept it. I pointed out through the article that if they are ready to promote startups, then no one should oppose it," Tharoor said.

UDF is in a situation where it is impossible to oppose Tharoor or bear the burden. He is a member of the Congress Working Committee. Therefore, the KPCC cannot file a written complaint.