New Delhi: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has clarified his use of the word “drama” while referring to the devastating flash floods in Nepal, saying he used the term to describe a situation involving intensely clashing forces.
Tharoor faced criticism on social media after describing the destruction caused by the floods as “drama that had taken place in the hills” in a post on X.
Tharoor explains what he meant
Responding to the criticism, Tharoor said the word “drama” does not only refer to something theatrical.
He explained that the word can also describe “a state, situation or series of events involving intensely clashing forces”, which he said was the meaning he intended.
However, Tharoor acknowledged that the choice of the word could easily be misunderstood.
“I do regret the choice of a word that could be so easily misinterpreted,” he said.
Social media backlash follows post
Tharoor’s original post, shared on Thursday, expressed concern over the devastation in Nepal.
He wrote that he had travelled to Kathmandu without being aware of the destruction that had occurred in the hills. He then described the severe flash floods in northern Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border.
The floods caused widespread destruction along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
His use of the word “drama” quickly drew criticism, with some social media users calling the remark insensitive and questioning the choice of language.
Tharoor continues to express concern
In his original post, Tharoor also referred to possible factors behind the disaster. He said experts had suggested that global warming and/or an earthquake in Tibet may have caused a large section of a glacier to break away and fall into the valley.
The Congress leader’s clarification came amid continuing devastation in Nepal, where rescue and relief operations are underway.
While defending the meaning he intended, Tharoor said he regretted using a word that could have been interpreted differently, seeking to put the controversy over his post to rest. #ShashiTharoor #NepalFloods #Nepal #Congress #FlashFloods #Politics