Former Union minister and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed surprise over the charges of "Pro-BJP" for accepting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Swachh Bharat' challenge. Mr. Tharoor posted in his official Facebook page clarifying his stand in supporting the initiative of PM. He termed his support to the initiative as a “Pro-India” not a “Pro-BJP.”

“I am astonished that anyone would suggest that I am pro-BJP. I have a 30-year paper trail of published writings on my idea of India and my profound belief in India's pluralism. Being receptive to specific statements or actions of BJP leaders does not remotely imply acceptance of the party's core Hindutva agenda. The PM pitched his appeal as a non-political one and I received it in that spirit. I am a proud Congressman and a proud Indian. In short: not pro-BJP, just pro-India!,” posted Tharoor in his Facebook page.

However on the other hand, Congress Kerala leader MM Hassan is seeking an action against Tharoor for accepting Modi's initiative while the Congress party has acted maturely to sort out the issue.

(AW: Vamshi)