Shashi Tharoor writes, “I stated that I had several ‘options to spend my time’ in literary pursuits.”
New Delhi: Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress lawmaker who has been under fire for days over rumors that he was considering his political choices, harshly criticized the English daily today, stating that the nation needs “better journalism” rather than less journalism as a democracy.
Mr. Tharoor clarified that he intended the word “option” to refer to spending time rather than political options in a five-post explanation on the social networking platform X.
His statement, “I said I had multiple ‘options to spend my time’ in literary pursuits,” was misunderstood. As usual, I was left to handle the issue while the political elite and the rest of the media responded to the headline. He went on.
“What protection does a public figure have against such flagrantly irresponsible journalism… no one spares a thought for the days of abuse, insult, calumny (as well as unexpected support and even adulation) that came my way – all because of things i hadn’t said,” read a different post of his.
Former Union minister and four-time Thiruvananthapuram MP Mr. Tharoor had angered his party by lauding the growth of the state and some of the CPM’s initiatives in Kerala. However, he made it clear last week that he was showcasing the state’s advancements in the startup industry. Additionally, he stated unequivocally that if the party did not want him, he would act in his own best interests.
“I’ll attend the party if that’s what the party wants. I have my own stuff to do if not. You shouldn’t assume that I have nowhere to spend my time. I have choices. He said, “I have my books, speeches, and invitations for talks from all over the world.”
The news was covered by many media organisations, including NDTV.
Mr Tharoor today said the experience was “hugely instructive and eye-opening for me”.
“While this kerfuffle might blow over, it has brought a lot of issues out into the open. I suddenly discovered what a lot of people really thought of me and learned from others’ speculations about options that i hadn’t ever considered exercising. Some people woke up to issues they had been complacent about and others found reasons to vent their feelings. Suddenly my place in Indian politics was being discussed – in a few cases enlighteningly and with insight,” he posted today.
The freedom of the press is essential to our democracy. As a devout Democrat, I will never advocate for more media regulation or control. However, is it really pointless to wish for higher media standards in our nation? “Better journalism, not less journalism?” He went on.
In light of the upcoming state elections, the Congress had made the deliberate choice to ignore Mr. Tharoor’s remarks and maintain the emphasis on Kerala’s ruling LDF government. On Friday, the party will also hold a high-level gathering in Delhi.
