Tharoor says BJP likely behind O Rajagopal's change of heart; heaps praise on veteran leader

Thiruvananthapuram: A day after veteran BJP leader O. Rajagopal backtracked from his comments praising Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, the Congress leader has reacted to the former Union Minister's surprising change of heart. Tharoor claimed that Rajagopal backtracked from his comments due to the advice of the BJP. 

Speaking to media in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, Tharoor praised Rajagopal by terming him as an "ascetic" who does not expect anything from Congress or BJP. 

"We competed against each other in the election with mutual respect. However, it is up to the voters to decide who will win," he added.

"Congress is the party that stands against BJP across the country. If my writing and speeches were examined, one would have a clear idea about my stand. For the last ten years, the left is claiming that I would be going to BJP," he stated. 

Earlier, Rajagopal surprised everyone by praising Tharoor and said he doubts anyone else will have electoral hopes in the constituency in the near future. However, the BJP camp is said to have been unhappy with the former MP's remark, which they interpreted as a vote of approval for Tharoor's fourth consecutive victory in the constituency. Tharoor had touched Rajagopal's feet and hugged him after his speech.

However, to seemingly avoid further damage, Rajagopal backtracked from his comments by arguing that it was just a symbolic expression of opinion from a Palakkad native to another. He clarified that his words were misinterpreted and claimed the saffron party will win from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in the Lok Sabha polls.