Tharoor gets warm welcome by Muslim League; but a cold reception at DCC office

MALAPPURAM: When Congress leader Shashi Tharoor MP reached Panakkad he was welcomed by Muslim League leaders with a bouquet of flowers, but he got a cold response from DCC office in Malappuram. No senior leaders were present, but the party workers welcomed him by raising slogans. The reception from these two places marks a new scenario in state politics.

Tharoor called on Muslim League state chief Panakkad Sadiq Ali Thangal at his residence. Tharoor was received by Thangal, P K Kunhalikutty, P M A Salam, youth league state chief Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal and others. M K Raghavan too accompanied Tharoor. After a short conversation in front of media, they had breakfast together and then held a discussion in a closed room for about half an hour.

‘Visit to Panakkad is a normal thing. Calls on him whenever comes to Malappuram. Trying to unite the allied parties of congress. Will not form a new group. Only taking efforts to drive the party forward. My goal is politics uniting everyone,’ Tharoor said after the meet. To the media's question whether Tharoor should be active in state politics, League president Sadiq Ali replied that Tharoor, who is a three-time MP, is a state leader. To questions about sectarianism in the Congress, Kunhalikutty also took a stand that he would not comment on the internal affairs of another party. It is clear from the opinion of League leaders that their support is for change.

Tharoor reached the DCC office around 9.45 am and was received by President VS Joy. Only few DCC members were present. Tharoor, who came out after a while, was asked by the media if he was happy. He replied that he is always happy. Without responding to the controversies, he returned to attend another program. The DCC president said the visit was unannounced. Meanwhile, at 10:30 am, all major party leaders attended the reception given to the new KSU state office bearers at the DCC.