Thiruvananthapuarm:
Former Union minister and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who resigned recently over the IPL controversy, was given a rousing reception on his arrival in Thiruvananthapuarm on Saturday.
This is Tharoor's first visit to his home state after resigning from the Union Cabinet. He was welcomed by a big gathering of Congress workers, well wishers and local residents.
Addressing Congress workers after arriving at the airport he said, "I am glad that my resignation has led to thorough probe into the corrupt practices in IPL and many truths are coming out. I joined politics to serve the people and I will continue doing that. I am happy to be back among my people. You are my strength. I used my personal contacts to work in the interest of Kerala."
Tharoor was taken to the District Congress Committee (DCC) office where he addressed Congress workers drawn from Thiruvananthapuram district.
Addressing partymen at DDC meeting he said, "I have had a spotless three decade stint in various capacities at the international and national level. Nobody has ever accused me of being corrupt. My prestige and my integrity as a public servant are very important and that's why I requested the prime minister to order a thorough probe into the IPL."
"Because of my resignation many wrong doings in the IPL are now coming out before the public. I am keen to have an IPL team for Kerala. It will give opportunity to youngsters here to play with international cricketers. Let IPL come to Kerala," he added.
"Some people are spreading rumours that I will quit as MP. I joined politics more than a year ago to serve the people and there is no question of resigning from Parliament. I will continue to work for the people of Kerala and raise their issues wherever possible," he further said.
He refused to speak to the media persons. Tharoor had earlier cancelled a meet the press programmes reportedly under directions from the central leadership. The former Union minister left for Kochi to attend a meeting of senior leaders of the UDF.
The massive reception organised by Congress workers has given the much needed support and confidence to Tharoor.