Sun Feb 16 16:02:06 UTC 2025: ## Tharoor Caught in Crossfire Over Kerala’s Startup Growth

**Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 17, 2025** – Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing a backlash from within his own party after praising Kerala’s growth in the startup sector, a stance that has been lauded by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Tharoor’s comments, published in a newspaper last week, lauded Kerala’s progress based on the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. However, he clarified on Facebook that he had qualified the government’s claims about ease of doing business, stating it was “astonishing” if true and not mere hyperbole. He also credited previous UDF governments for laying the groundwork for this growth.

This attempt to clarify his position has not quelled the controversy. The United Democratic Front (UDF) convener, M.M. Hassan, criticized Tharoor for deviating from the party line and accused him of uncritically accepting LDF propaganda. Hassan and IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty also strongly disagreed with Tharoor’s assessment of Prime Minister Modi’s recent US visit as a success, pointing to the repatriation of Indian emigrants on US warplanes as a counterpoint.

Meanwhile, LDF leaders have praised Tharoor’s statements. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said Tharoor had refuted Congress claims of Kerala’s industrial decline. CPI(M) leader A.K. Balan also commended Tharoor but disagreed with his other views.

The controversy has raised questions about Tharoor’s position within the Congress party, with Hassan stating that Tharoor is best suited to address those concerns.

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