This is a copy paste of an article that appeared here, Written by gargi After having read this I am also forced to ask, is someone conspiring against Dr Tharoor. ?
I really don’t believe in too many conspiracy theories. This entire idea that various systems might be conspiring to get an individual out seems kind of far fetched.
But, in the recent past I have been questioning why the Indian Express has taken it upon it self to target Shashi Tharoor – the minister for external affairs ? Has Mr.Tharoor offended someone in the IE or is the IE working on someone else’s behalf to discredit Mr. Tharoor – because front page attention on, what can be most charitably described as trivialities, seems like an orchestrated witch hunt .
It started with the IE “exposing” the fact that Tharoor and his boss, SM Krishna, were staying in 5 star luxury.
Austere Ministers: Krishna at Maurya, Tharoor at Taj - screamed the headline, and when you read the article closely it tuns out that it was two rich ministers paying for their own comforts.
For over three months now, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna is at ITC’s Maurya on Sardar Patel Marg and his junior Shashi Tharoor at Hotel Taj Mahal on Man Singh Road. Both pay their own bills but neither of them — nor the hotels — say how much they have paid so far.
According to their poll affidavits, Krishna has assets worth Rs 18 crore and Tharoor Rs 15 crore.
Why is someone spending their own money is news is beyond me – if it was Tax payer’s money I would understand – but their own money seemed kind of inexplicable.
It followed up the story the next day, with Tharoor needs Taj for gym, privacy — and a govt-funded Iftaar today
The “gym and some privacy” keep Shashi Tharoor at a suite in the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi. On Wednesday, the Minister of State for External Affairs is hosting an Iftaar party from 6.15 pm at the Diwan-i-Aam of the hotel.
Invites have been sent out by the Ministry — the cards carry the national emblem, mention the MEA’s Protocol division and list its telephone numbers under RSVP.
tucked in at the end, is the line
“It has been a tradition to host an Iftaar party for envoys of the Gulf countries by the MoS in-charge during Ramzan, said sources. “
So the iftaar party is not for friends and family, but for envoys of countries that India has trade and commercial relations ! Official work, not personal.
Then, the following day was an item, that could be seen as further embarrassing External Affairs Ministers - Krishna, Shashi take note: How nine of your colleagues live
While External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his deputy Shashi Tharoor turned 5-star hotel suites into temporary homes, their nine colleagues, still waiting for official accommodation, settled for single rooms in state Bhawans and PSU guest houses in New Delhi
And then, was yesterday’s bit of pontificating
At these moments, affluence becomes unaesthetic. A display of an affluent lifestyle seems crass and indifferent, possessing a nouveau riche loudness that is difficult to take. It is a behaviour that demands immediate downsizing in a literal and symbolic sense. But Krishna and his deputy behaved like rich Rip Van Winkles, unaware that drought and recession had struck the land. It was a sense of arrogance and individualism that made them indifferent to the dialects of protest and pain in the bazaar of politics.
People should realize, that in times of recession, consumption helps. Instead of vilifying the ministers for spending their own money – maybe you should commend them for doing their patriotic duty to get the nation out of recession 
And then, it pretty much continues in the same vein. What took the cake was this morning’s front page silliness in the Indian Express
Of course, Mr. Tharoor has not helped his cause by being smart on Twitter with Kanchan Gupta – Shooting your mouth off to journalists, on a public forum, – especially those with BJP affiliation -reeks of poor decision making. That ‘holy cow’ statement is possibly going to come back to haunt him.
But, that doesn’t take away from the fact that the IE seems to have their knives out for him. Today’s story, the one that prompted this post – is “Holy Cow! Tharoor’s OSD gives it back to his Boss’s party” – one more ‘Get Tharoor” story .
Jacob Joseph, Officer on Special Duty to the Minister of State for External Affairs, posted a picture of Tharoor asleep in an aircraft seat, with the caption “Shashi Tharoor in cattle class a month ago”.
Tharoor, currently on tour abroad, did not post any new tweets on Thursday. He last tweeted early September 16.
Jacob made public, or ‘re-tweeted’ (referred to as ‘RT’ on Twitter), comments made by other Twitter users that referred to Union ministers as “humorless twits”, and Congress spokesperson Natarajan as an example of the “outdated Indian political spokesman”.
incidentally, the minister did tweet yesterday:
So, let me ask the obvious – is the Indian Express reverting to the shoot first, figure later mode of journalism that almost brought it to its knees. Or is this a one off hatchet job on a particular minister – if so why ?
Yeah I read this yesterday, and if you see from a straight angle it appears that IE is not too fond of the man.
But again IE, with its soft-BJP attitude may well be aiming at Tharoor because they might’ve felt he could be a potential weaklink because of his unorthodox (read honest, open and trendy) political methods and null political history. He has in a way proved them right through this recent Twitter controversy. Journos are cunning people you know, they identify your weakness pretty much early. Tharoor may well take a dip in the murky Indian political waters to survive amongst such hyenas and vultures..
Comment by scorpiogenius — September 19, 2009 @ 10:29 pm
And Kenny, I feel it would be a bit more prudent if you mention the name of the author in the article instead of the backlink. Just to exhibit the open heart a bit more openly
Comment by scorpiogenius — September 19, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
typo above… not backlink, *hyperlink*
Comment by scorpiogenius — September 19, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
I don’t mind someone spending their money as they wish. But a person @ responsible position should think about some facts.
1. In Uttarpradesh MEN started selling their wives to get a days meal.
2. In Maharashtra many farmers are committting suicide. (Todays media also reported many farmer suicide cases and according to it about 7600 people committed suicide in last 2 years)
3. UP and MH are not 2 isolated cases, situation exists in almost all states of India,including our Kerala.
No need of above suicide numbers, just move your eyes to the fact “40% of Indians are still under BPL”
So a leader to such a country should rethink or not?
Question is what kinda leaders we need?
1. A Mahatma Gandi who went to help the victims of riot during the Independence day celebrations ?
OR
2. A Tharoor/S.M Krishna (reps of all such kind leaders) models, who enjoys themselves first and says “we are here to work 4 you holy Indians”
I DONT KNOW!
Comment by Jojo Joson — September 20, 2009 @ 9:18 am
He has 18 crores worth of assets. If he lives in Kerala house, does that help any of the BPL people in any way ?
I am of the opinion that rich people should spend their money. Then only we can have a share of that.
What good can money do if its lying dead in a bank account ?
Comment by Kenney Jacob — September 20, 2009 @ 9:23 am
@ KenneyJacob
“He has 18 crores worth of assets.”
What is the asset of Mukesh and Anil Ambani ? What about Asim premji, Narayanamurthy and the millions of Indian millionares ?
So that doesn’t matter!
“If he lives in Kerala house, does that help any of the BPL people in any way ? ”
What I meant is not to live in Kerala House or Lodhi Estate. But if he want he can use the money spent in TAJ (Rs.50K a day) creatively and wisely.
1. There’s a choice he can use the amount of one month Rs.15 lakh to set up an agriculture base for farmers, he can help them with purchase of seeds,manure,irrigation. Hes a diplomatic leader, he can travel the villages, co-ordinate people and farmers, form self dependent communities so that they cultivate,they harvest and sell it in the Indian economy. Villages will prosper and so India will.
2. If not, he can use that amount and select one heavily affected village, feed them with atleast one time a meal a day ?
I am not blaming Tharoor alone! Entire leadership should rethink.
“I am of the opinion that rich people should spend their money. Then only we can have a share of that. ”
The RICH often spends their money (may be a 100 times more than you and I do). What happens is this money circulates between Rich & Rich, not between Rich and poor. If that was the case, India would have been a poverty free country ages back!
“What good can money do if its lying dead in a bank account ?”
NOTHING!
Comment by Jojo Joson — September 20, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Shashi Tharoor is not the agriculture minister. He is a foriegn affairs minister.
Why cant we let him live the way he wants and do his job.
Rich is not always feeding the rich. Do you know how many people gets benefitted when you go and buy a 2000Rs levis jeans ? Your money gets distributed between the shop owner, the distributor, the manufacturer and the labourers.
Comment by Kenney Jacob — September 20, 2009 @ 11:59 am
“Shashi Tharoor is not the agriculture minister. He is a foriegn affairs minister. ”
LOL
Thanks for the info. I was not knowing!
Comment by Jojo Joson — September 20, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
Indian politics is not a place for a honest, straightforward man. Tharoor will either be forced to quit pretty soon, or will become “one of them” like the lead character in Malayatoor Ramakrishnan’s Yanthram.
Comment by V — September 21, 2009 @ 10:56 am
This reply is directed towards Mr.Jojo Joson,
If Mr.Tharoor spent his time worrying about other ministers job then who will take care of our [Indians] external affairs needs?
If he has to be in an important meeting with foreign dignitaries, will he excuse himself because he wants to meet some farmers instead, or ask them to meet him in a hut somewhere in Bihar? There are poor people everywhere but India has come a long way in a short span, we need to get out of our “We are poor and dying..please help us” attitude.
Mr. Joson would you travel by a bullock-cart just because so many people in India still do so?
You will buy a luxury car when you can afford it and drive in it and wipe the dust off it at every opportunity you get.
Will you go to your office wearing just a dhoti? you wouldn’t because your job doesn’t require you to.
Gandhi Ji [I just wish all our politicians were like him!] did what he had to do then, because India was struggling and was really really poor, food and clothing was the only thing on our mind.
Now things are changing visibly.
Its just the “Ambassador car” and “Red Colgate toothpaste” story. Enough of staying at the bottom, that just kept us at the bottom rung for so long. its time to move on, think ahead, be more competitive, without loosing our individuality as Indians.
We are the best of humans on Earth!
Jai Hind!
Comment by Sasnwings — September 21, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
And one more thing.
Giving free meal is not an option for anybody, even giving gifts to our kids without letting them work for it is not good for their future, they will just expect things to fall into their laps and be helpless always.
The key is to create employment opportunity for everybody.
Comment by sanswings — September 21, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
Hi Kenney,
My take on the subject of various “politicians” asking for Dr. Ts resignation and such is that they too have wealth, but cannot flaunt it or use it, as it is ill gotten. They hate it when they see someone who can. I guess they also hate it that non-politicians win elections. Scares them.
The other paper that is kind of doing the same is Manorama- which had an article contemplating when Dr T will be asked to resign. This from the paper which puportedly champions the cause of Kerala.
To be respected, Journalism and Journalists have to have depth, and have a sense of history. If the Indian print media tries to outdo Cable news with flashy news, and serve ups of controversy, they too will soon end up like their western counterparts – trying to figure out how to stay afloat.
Vinod
Comment by Vinod/Kakka — September 22, 2009 @ 1:15 am
Five star MP in Parliament, Hahaha
Comment by Anish KS — September 22, 2009 @ 7:48 am
That largest Demo-crazy is governed by a totalitarian party, where self expression is deprived.
Comment by Tony Jose — September 22, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
India is the most disorganized country which is ruled by dynasty promoted politicians making the political arena,a mockery of democracy.So when Tharoor made a step into the political arena,obviously people didn’t like it.
In my view, Dr.Tharoor is one hell of a great person.
I don’t understand the fuss over Tharoor’s remarks!
At least Dr Tharoor was civilized enough to offer an apology for his remarks!
Lets Face it
Mr Tharoor is one of the few politicians in the Lok Sabha who is actually qualified to be in it!
One cant expect a person to give up their luxuries just because they intend to serve the common people.
Matt
Please Excuse any mistakes.
Comment by Matthew Parker — September 22, 2009 @ 8:36 pm
I am upset and angry at some media that are finding ways to twist the tweets of Tharoor and making stupid controversies about it.
@ Jojo Joson
The things you said has happening in Indian since 1947! People in those places are selling there wifes and daughters for decaded now, wonder what you are trying to achieve by making Tharoor responsible for this?
Comment by Vineeth Jose — September 25, 2009 @ 11:04 am
Infact,politicians r der 2 lead folks…a country in which 40% of ppl r still under bpl,as a public person sasi wouldn’t lead such a high-profile life, atleast openly…as v all know he is new bee 2 politics,it will take time 2 study….infact,india needs profes like him 2 drive ministral seats ….
Comment by Aswajith — September 27, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
Sasi is exception…india need such folks in driving seat…don’t twist his comments 4 political gain…remember he is a former un under gnl secretry
Comment by Aswajith — September 27, 2009 @ 9:45 pm
@Vineeth jose:
It has to be noted that India has been governed by the pseudo secular Nehru family (I still dont know why they are called Gandhi family?) from 1947.
“The things you said has happening in Indian since 1947! People in those places are selling there wifes and daughters for decaded now, wonder what you are trying to achieve by making Tharoor responsible for this?”
Please read the history of India before making such baseless comments. Do you know that India is still among the richest countries in the world, if all the money kept in Swiss bank is brought back?
Comment by Prasanth — October 26, 2009 @ 4:36 am
Americans also have a lot of money in the swiss banks, So even if all of that money returns, we will still not be the richest.
Nehru family is called the Gandhi family cos Firoz Shah Gandhi was the father of Rajeev Gandhi
Comment by Kenney Jacob — October 26, 2009 @ 6:18 am
If you read my comment I have stated, we will be among the richest, not the richest country. We are not competing with America to be the richest. The question here is of survival. And it would be blasphemous to compare American dollar in Swiss bank to Indian Rupee in Swiss bank. Americans have their own MNCs and it is the owners of these MNCs that have stashed the money in Swiss banks not politicians who have sold their country for pseudo secular interests.
How did Feroz Shah Gandhi get his name? Is he in anyway related to Mahatma’s family?
Wikipedia says, “He was not related to Mahatma Gandhi family, and it was said that he changed his surname from Gandy to Gandhi.”
It is beyond doubt that the pseudo secular Nehru family is eventually trying to take over the respect people of India have for Mahatma.
Comment by Prasanth — October 28, 2009 @ 4:31 am
[...] … 1) Kanchan Gupta – Associate Editor of the Pioneer. 2) Saad Akhtar – Runs Flyyoufools.com, …Indian Express is Conspiring Against Dr Shashi TharoorThis is a copy paste of an article that appeared here, Written by gargi After having read this I am [...]
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