Thiruvananthapuram: KC Venugopal stated that Congress has no interest in further controversy related to Shashi Tharoor MP’s article, and considers the matter closed. He mentioned that Tharoor wrote the article based on the data received, and Tharoor has stated that he would reconsider his position if more accurate data is provided. The party desires to take his statement at face value, he added. Venugopal also claimed that there is no disagreement among Congress leaders on the issue.
Regarding the industrial situation in Kerala, Venugopal criticized the closure of small-scale enterprises and accused the government of relying on false statistics. He mentioned that the party had discussed the matter with Tharoor and expects corrections to be made. He also emphasized that no more controversy is needed. Tharoor’s article, which stirred controversy, was published in *The New Indian Express* and discussed the progress of the industrial sector in Kerala. Venugopal added that positive actions by the central and state governments should be acknowledged, irrespective of political affiliations.
Tharoor had responded, stating that the article was based on facts and that he stands by his position.
Meanwhile, a remark by Tharoor about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit being a positive development also sparked controversy. Tharoor had said that Modi’s visit to the US was hopeful, but Congress raised doubts about the effectiveness of the visit. Tharoor clarified that while there was no issue with the action of deporting illegal immigrants, he was disappointed by the uncertainty surrounding the method of their return.
