Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tweets and Threats

Letter by Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai, which appeared in Khaleej Times Newspaper on 22 September 2009.

Shashi Tharoor’s reference to the economy class in trains and flights as ‘cattle class’, is believed to have hurt Indian sentiments. And he has been asked to resign. This is preposterous. Tharoor is a bright, articulate and intelligent professional with an excellent track record. India should be thrilled that someone of a professional calibre has joined the cabinet. We need more men like him in politics.

In many countries, the economy class is referred to as the ‘cattle class’ purely colloquially, since it is crowded and the service is average. Having said this, Tharoor’s comments, 
about the economy class 
in Indian railways and airlines, are literally and absolutely correct.

The controversy about Tharoor’s comments emanate from the fact that recently Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi travelled economy class. But, when VVIPs travel in the economy section, it turns out to be more expensive!

I would therefore urge Indian VVIPs to please continue travelling in first class or private planes. Saving a few lakhs of rupees by travelling economy is not going to make India rich. However, if we can persuade the Swiss banks to return to India all the unaccounted deposits, amounting to $ 1.5 trillion, we could perhaps convert all economy classes to first classes! - Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai.

You said it, and you are absolutely correct, dear Rajendra – Prathap G.

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