Tharoor apologises for his 'cattle class' remark

New Delhi, Sept 18 (PTI) Facing an all-round attack
for his "cattle class" remark, Indian Minister Shashi Tharoor
has apologised for it, saying that he meant no disrespect to
to economy class travellers.

"It's a silly expression but meant no disrespect to
economy travellers, only to airlines for herding us in like
cattle. Many have misunderstood," the Minister of State for
External Affairs said in a posting on social networking site
'Twitter' from Liberia, where he was on a visit.

"I am told it sounds worse in Malayalam, especially
out of context. To those hurt by the belief that my repeating
the phrase showed contempt: sorry," he said.

His remark that he would travel "cattle class in
solidarity with all our holy cows", also in a Twitter posting,
had came in the backdrop of an austerity drive in the
Government and in Congress party. The comment had been
strongly rebuked by the party.

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata
Dal-United (JD-U), while slamming his comment, had said he did
not deserve to be a minister for his "insensitive" remark on
economy class travellers. (More) PTI KNO
ANU


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.