I did it for Kerala: Shashi Tharoor

New Delhi, Apr 16: Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, who is caught in the middle of the IPL Kochi controversy, defended himself saying that he had in no way misused his power or authority.

"My role throughout was that of a mentor. I was in no position to influence the bid," the minister said on Friday, Apr 16, making his first official statement in response to the slew of allegations slapped against him.

Stressing that the allegations against him were baseless and slamming the efforts to thwart the Kochi team as disgraceful, Tharoor said that whatever little role he played in the Kochi team bidding was inspired by his dedication to the state of Kerala.

The minister was expected to make the statement in the Lok Sabha. However, the Opposition made it impossible for Tharoor to speak forcing the speaker to adjourn the house till 2 pm.

The minister read out his statement outside the Lok Sabha to the media but refused to take any questions.

OneIndia News