Shashi Tharoor gets a warm welcome in Thirvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on Saturday arrived in his home constituency and said that he feels powerful on witnessing such a big support of people.

On arrival, Tharoor was accorded a warm welcome by his supporters. Large number of people gathered near the airport to express their support to the former minister.

Tharoor looked quite pleased after noticing so many people converging for his welcome.

“I am very happy after coming here and receiving all your support. Seeing your support makes me feel powerful,” said Tharoor.

He also said that during his 30 years as a UN official, he was never blamed for any kind of corruption.

“I have worked under UN for 30 years of my life. Till now no one has accused me of being involved in any kind of corruption activities,” added Tharoor.

Tharoor had to resign from his post as a minister following a controversy between the Indian Premiere League Commissioner Lalit Modi and him over a Kochi IPL franchise.

It’s been alleged that Tharoor has an indirect stake in the new Kochi IPL franchise, which represents his home state of Kerala.

IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi revealed on his Twitter feed that Tharoor had advised the IPL management against disclosing the name of Dubai-based businessperson Sunanada Pushkar.

Following the controversy, Tharoor tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Singh on April 18, who accepted and formally sent it to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

On April 20, while defending himself in the Parliament Tharoor also requested the Prime Minister for a thorough investigation of the charges.

Tharoor has denied any wrongdoing in awarding of a tender for the cricket team, saying he was only a “mentor” for the winning consortium because the team was based in his home-state. (ANI)