T’PURAM, 16 FEB

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has clarified that his recent article praising Kerala’s startup sector was not an endorsement of the CPI(M)-led government but a focus on the state's entrepreneurial growth. Speaking to reporters, Tharoor explained that the piece, published in an English daily, referenced the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024, which indicated that Kerala attracted USD1.7 billion in investments over 18 months.

While the CPI(M) welcomed his comments, Tharoor faced criticism from within his own party, the Congress, which questioned his claims. He emphasised that despite the advances in the startup arena, Kerala continues to grapple with significant economic challenges, including high youth unemployment and the majority of state public sector undertakings operating at a loss.

In a Facebook post, Tharoor attributed the achievements in the startup sector to initiatives by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, urging that political opposition should not hinder progress in vital areas.

The Congress-led UDF strongly disagreed with Tharoor, asserting that he overlooked the industrial accomplishments of previous administrations. UDF leaders, including PK Kunhalikutty and MM Hasan, contended that the transformative developments in the state’s industrial landscape occurred under their governance and called for a unified party stance.

In response to the dissent, Tharoor stated that no demands for his resignation from the Congress Working Committee had been made, maintaining that his article was intended solely to address Kerala’s economic needs.