Kottayam: Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor addressed the controversy surrounding photos of him with Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, emphasizing that the images, which were circulated online, depicted a birthday celebration and not a clandestine meeting.
Tharoor denounced the trolls responsible for distorting the context of the photos, labeling it as “low-level politics.” Speaking to reporters in Kerala’s Kottayam, he clarified, “It was that child’s [Moitra’s] birthday. I can’t call her a child, but for me, she is like one. She is 10 to 20 years younger than me.” Tharoor revealed that the gathering was Moitra’s birthday party, attended by around 15 people, including his sister.
“Some people deliberately cropped out others and presented it as some secret private meeting. It was her birthday,” Tharoor explained, dismissing the incident as an attempt to create unnecessary controversy. He emphasized that his focus remained on serving the people, and he would not be deterred by such tactics. “Our priority is working for the people,” he affirmed.
Mahua Moitra also responded to the situation on X, sarcastically remarking, “Bengal’s women live a life. Not a lie.” She further commented on the attire in the photos, humorously stating, “I like the green dress better on me than the white blouse. And why bother cropping – show the rest of the folks at dinner as well.”
Both Tharoor and Moitra’s responses reflect their refusal to be swayed by online negativity, highlighting their commitment to their political roles and the issues concerning their constituencies. As the incident subsides, the focus remains on the work ahead, undeterred by social media controversies.
