tween the two?) They trained their guns on him.

The turns of phrase he used, informally in most cases, whether ‘holy cow’ or ‘cattle class’ were twisted out of shape and context; if not because of ignorance, in a deliberate attempt to cause discomfiture to him. He was accused of irreverence by people who do not know how innocuous these common English expressions actually are.

All this was fine with the voters who had voted him to the Lok Sabha with a convincing majority, but the latest – the alleged involvement in the IPL-gate?

The newspapers say that that tomorrow, when Shashi lands in Thiruvananthapuram, a ‘rousing reception’ is planned; the idea is to give him a hero’s welcome.

Shashi, from amidst the thronging mob, if you hear a plaintive frail voice asking you, ‘Say it ain’t so, Shashi’, don’t dismiss it as a one-time Bank Manager’s; it is the voice of hundreds of thousands – men and women, young and old, cutting across all strata.

Postscript:

I had sent the above piece by email to Shashi Tharoor. before I posted it to you. In 25 minutes flat, I had the following reply in my inbox:

It ain't so, sir!

I won't let you down and am confident that the inquiry will fully exculpate me.

Meanwhile, thanks for these generous-spirited words at a time of trial. It means a great deal to me that you reached out to me at this time.

This week marks a new beginning for me and I am heartened by the love, friendship and loyalty I have received. I am determined to continue to do my best for India and for the ideals that brought me back here.

ST

Dr Shashi Tharoor
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
Thiruvananthapuram
Sent from BlackBerry® on Airtel

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 KTR's excellent article and an even better response (albeit, surprising) from Shashi Tharoor, gladdens one's heart. I knew that one day, a new and better breed of politicians would appear on the horizon ! And the day has indeed come. Thanks to you God for Shashi Tharoor...and do keep many more like him coming!!

Mukundhan | April 25, 2010

 Hello Doctor, The churning of this ocean called India will take some time. We are confident you like many of your tribe,are the transitory phase of this great Country. We pray and Wish you all the best.

B M MOHAN | April 24, 2010