Shashi Tharoor Calls on Critics to Review His Article on Kerala's Startup Growth Before Judging
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Synopsis
Shashi Tharoor responds to internal party criticism regarding his article on Kerala's startup sector growth, urging critics to read it before commenting. He emphasizes the significance of acknowledging progress amid economic challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Shashi Tharoor addresses criticism from Congress members.
- He credits Oommen Chandy for Kerala's startup growth.
- The article references the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
- Tharoor acknowledges Kerala's economic challenges.
- CPI(M) leaders welcome his recognition of startup growth.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 16 (NationPress) Congress Working Committee member and MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, has addressed the backlash he faced from party members concerning his latest article in an English-language newspaper, which underscores Kerala's advancements in the startup domain.
In a Facebook post written in Malayalam on Sunday, Tharoor conveyed his astonishment at the uproar.
He remarked, "I penned this article representing Kerala as a Member of Parliament, concentrating on a particular matter - the evolution of the industrial sphere through the burgeoning startup sector. As a Congress member, I take pride in recognizing that it was former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who ignited this transformation."
Tharoor attributed the groundwork for Kerala's startup ecosystem to Chandy's initiatives, noting projects like the Startup Village and the Kerala Startup Mission, which have been sustained by the current administration.
When questioned about the veracity of his statements, Tharoor clarified, "The foundation of my article is the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, which provides valuable data on this matter."
His comments seemed directed at party leaders who had doubted the credibility of his analysis. This followed criticisms from Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leaders, spearheaded by Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan, regarding the article.
Former Industries Minister and IUML general secretary P. K. Kunhalikutty also challenged Tharoor's assertions, claiming that the industrial sector has significantly benefitted from UDF's policies.
Tharoor clarified that his article was not meant to be an exhaustive evaluation of Kerala's economy.
He acknowledged the various economic hurdles the state faces, including high unemployment rates, the exodus of educated youth, challenges in the agricultural sector (such as rubber and cashew), and a soaring debt burden.
"Addressing these issues will require time. However, it would be myopic to overlook progress in any sector," he stated, trying to detach himself from the ongoing controversy.
On Saturday (February 15), V.D. Satheesan, leader of the opposition in Kerala, specifically questioned the reliability of Tharoor's statistics concerning the MSME sector.
He commented, "I am unsure of the source of Tharoor's figures on Kerala's MSME growth. Many returning NRIs establish small enterprises such as shops and bakeries - can these truly be classified as MSME growth?"
In response, Tharoor urged his detractors to read the article before forming opinions.
"One last appeal: Please read the article before commenting! It doesn't delve into party politics but highlights what must be done to elevate Kerala from its economic challenges. For the past 16 years, I have persistently advocated for Kerala’s economic development," he stated. Meanwhile, KPCC leaders have sent a letter of dissent regarding Tharoor to the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Interestingly, the CPI(M) has welcomed Tharoor's article, with leaders such as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve commending his acknowledgment of the growth in Kerala's startup sector.
