Annoyed with his “cattle class” Twitter remarks, the Congress today refused to acknowledge Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor’s apology, stating that “appropriate action” would be taken against him “at an appropriate time”. While the party even seconded Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s demand for Tharoor’s resignation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sought to play down the comments, saying “it was a joke”.

When AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi was asked about Tharoor at an Iftaar hosted by the PM, he said whatever had to be said had been said by the party. Earlier, Tharoor is said to have called up Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Said party spokesperson Manish Tewari: “The Congress will take whatever action is deemed appropriate at an appropriate time.”

At an Iftaar in Jaipur, Gehlot repeated his demand for Tharoor’s resignation. “It was unfortunate and unbecoming on his part to make such comments... Comments such as this, even on the Internet, is unacceptable in Indian politics. I am of the opinion that he should tender his resignation as a Minister in the Central government. To make such irreverent comments is all the more despicable when one is holding a responsible position like Minister of State for External Affairs,” Gehlot told reporters.

Asked about Gehlot’s demand, Tewari said, “Obviously, when you have statements like this (from Tharoor), it is bound to get reactions.”

Replying to a query on Twitter, Tharoor had described airline economy class flyers as “cattle class”, drawing sharp reactions and condemnations from all political parties, including the Congress.

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