Shashi Tharoor responds to controversy over post after visiting Wayanad landslide site.

Shashi Tharoor, the Thiruvananthapuram MP, recently faced criticism over his use of the word “memorable” to describe his visit to the areas devastated by landslides in Wayanad, where over 300 people lost their lives. Amid the controversy, Tharoor clarified that by “memorable” he meant something worth remembering or likely to be remembered due to its significance or being unforgettable. The Congress MP had posted a video on social media, showing his visit to the affected areas, where he assisted in unloading relief supplies for those who had lost their homes in the calamity and were now residing in relief camps.

He also interacted with the affected people to understand their situations and challenges. In an interview with ANI, Tharoor emphasized the need for both immediate responses and long-term solutions for the displaced families. He mentioned that his office had arranged mattresses for those affected by the flood, but stressed the importance of considering sustained support.

Tharoor had earlier described his visit to the devastated areas as “emotionally searing” and expressed his distress at witnessing the destruction caused by the landslides. However, his use of the word “memorable” in a subsequent post led to backlash, with several individuals and BJP leaders questioning his choice of terminology in describing such a tragic event. Critics, including a senior BJP leader, deemed Tharoor’s use of “memorable” as inappropriate, given the gravity of the situation.

Some accused him of being disconnected from the reality of the tragedy, referring to his visit as a “memorable day.” Tharoor’s clarification and his continued efforts to support the affected communities highlight the necessity for empathy and understanding in the aftermath of natural disasters.