Congress leaders in Kerala irked over Tharoor's praise for CPM govt

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leaders in Kerala are irked over party MP and working committee member Shashi Tharoor praising the CPM government's industrial policies and growth of start-ups.

While leader of opposition V D Satheesan asked the basis on which Tharoor made the observations, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal commented that Tharoor's observations seemed to be not reflecting the ground realities. Venugopal also pointed out the plights of various sectors like coir and cashew.

"Based on what data did Tharoor make the comments. Neither me nor my party know it. The party leadership would examine it," said Satheesan.

However, Tharoor stuck to his stands. "Positive aspects should be given consideration beyond politics. My opinions are based on facts only," he told reporters.

It was in a newspaper article that Tharoor hailed the growth of start-ups in Kerala and also praised the industrial policies being initiated by the CPM government. Quoting the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem report, he said that Kerala recorded a staggering 254 per cent compound annual growth rate in start-ups and termed it a phenomenal feat. He highlighted the high ranking for the state in ease of doing business. He also said that with a dynamic growth, Kerala was well-positioned to continue leading India’s tech and entrepreneurial transformation, contributing to the nation’s larger vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse.

Tharoor's statement, which has come as a shot in the arm for the CPM-led Left Democratic Front, has been hailed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Without naming Tharoor, Vijayan said at a public function that a people's representative has clearly stated the achievements that Kerala made in sectors like start-ups. He also said that the opposition parties should ensure that their differences with the left-front government should not end up as an indifferent approach towards the state's development.

Earlier also Tharoor took a similar stand by backing the proposed K-Rail semi-high speed rail in Kerala when the Congress was staging a strong stir against it.