Tharoor tweet: PM calls it a joke, Rahul mum

New Delhi, Sep 19: Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh came to the rescue of the External Affairs Minister, Shashi Tharoor who is in the middle of a big controversy sparked off by his 'cattle-class' remark.

While speaking to reporters at the Iftar party hosted by him, the Prime Minister downplayed the the minister's Tweet on the government's austerity drive terming it 'a joke'.

However, Congress General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi refused to comment on the issue and seemingly concurring with the party's response, he said whatever had to be said was said by the party members.

The controversy started off when Shashi Tharoor replied to the question, "Tell us minister, next time you travel to Kerala, will it be cattle class?", saying, “Absolutely, in cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows."

Congress reacted strongly to this saying that the comments were 'unacceptable and totally insensitive'.

The minister, on Thursday, Sep 17 night claimed that he was misunderstood and apologised for hurting the sentiments.

OneIndia News