Kerala Congress plans big meet after Shashi Tharoor triggers row with praises for CPM govt in state

Even though the agenda of the meeting is the state election, the row over Tharoor praising the CPM government in Kerala will feature, NDTV reported quoting sources.

As per reports, the Kerala Congress leaders have consciously decided not to respond to Tharoor or his remarks.

Responding would turn further escalate the row, which the party is trying to avoid given the state assembly election scheduled later this year.

In an interview with a daily, Tharoor - a former Union minister and a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram -- has praised the CPM's policies in Kerala and the state's growth.

His remark hit more as it came right after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over meeting with US President Donald Trump.

In a strongly worded editorial, a regional party mouthpiece said it was "suicidal" to weaken the party from within, and accused him of representing a 'distorted' political practice.

Clarifying his stance last week, Tharoor said he was merely highlighting the state's progress in the startup sector.

He also made it clear that he would pursue other interests if the party did not want him.

"If the party wants me then I will be there for the party. If not, I have my own things to do. You should not think that I don't have any option to spend time. I have options. I have my books, speeches, invitations from across the world for talks," he said.