“Tharoor Questions Kerala’s Rs 10 Crore Aid to Turkey: ‘Misplaced Generosity'”
Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has stirred a political debate by criticizing the Kerala government’s Rs 10 crore aid to Turkey following the 2023 earthquake. In a pointed remark on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government should reconsider its “misplaced generosity” — especially in light of Turkey’s political stance supporting Pakistan during its recent conflict with India.
Tharoor, who also plays a key role in India’s diplomatic initiatives like Operation Sindoor, shared a news snippet highlighting the aid and wrote:
“I hope the Govt of Kerala reflects on its misplaced generosity, after seeing Turkey’s behaviour two years later! Not to mention that the people of Wayanad (just to take one Kerala example) could have used those ten crores far better.”
The comment quickly drew a sharp rebuttal from CPM leader and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas. Responding on X, Brittas defended Kerala’s humanitarian gesture and accused Tharoor of selective memory.
“I have great regard for Shashi Tharoor. But these comments are symptoms of selective amnesia,” Brittas posted.
“Why question Kerala when the central government launched Operation Dost to help Turkey? Kerala-bashing is completely unwarranted.”
The controversy taps into a larger wave of public disapproval toward Turkey’s perceived pro-Pakistan stance during its military tensions with India. In response, several Indian civil society groups and trader associations have called for boycotts of Turkish products and tourism.
While the Kerala government had justified its contribution as an act of global solidarity, critics like Tharoor argue that such funds might be better used for urgent needs within the state — especially when Turkey’s foreign policy remains at odds with Indian interests.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
