NEW DELHI - Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has apologized for his recent comment that he was prepared to travel in the “cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows”.

“It’s a silly expression but means no disrespect to economy travellers, only to airlines for herding us in like cattle. Many have misunderstood,” writes Tharoor while replying on Twitter.

“I am told it sounds worse in Malayalam, esp out of context. To those hurt by the belief that my repeating the phrase showed contempt: Sorry,” Tharoor says.

“Now realize, I should not assume people will appreciate humour. And you should not give those who would wilfully distort your words an opportunity,” he adds.

Tharoor was quoted as saying on Twitter that he would travel in “cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows,” which was termed “unacceptable and totally insensitive” by his party, the Congress.

Slamming Tharoor’s remarks, Congress spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan said: “Certainly the Congress doesn’t endorse or approve it and we find it unacceptable. We find this articulation unacceptable and absolutely insensitive.”

The whole controversy erupted after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee asked the Congress leaders to observe austerity in order to cut down expenditure in the wake of draught declared in parts of the country.

Earlier, the Congress Party had decided that its ministers and lawmakers would also take a 20 per cent cut in salaries. (ANI)