Shashi Tharoor’s office vandalized over ‘Hindu Pakistan’ remark; Cong MP says 'assault on democracy'

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's office in his constituency Thiruvananthapuram was attacked by vandals on Monday. The activists smeared black oil on the walls of his office over his comment that a "Hindu Pakistan" would be created if the ruling party at the Centre returned to power.
The Congress leader alleged that members of BJP's Yuva Morcha were behind the attack and lashed out at the saffron party for resorting to "vandalism and violence".
"Today @YUVAMORCHABJP vandals attacked my constituency office in Thiruvananthapuram. They poured black engine oil on signs, doors, walls and gate, drove away innocent citizens waiting with their petitions, put up offensive banners and shouted slogans asking me to go to Pakistan," he tweeted.

“I still stick to what I have said. There is no going back on the statement,” added Tharoor as he visited his office following the attack.
Earlier today, BJP's Yuva Morcha activists, shouting anti-Tharoor slogans, barged into the office and even tied a banner saying "Hindu Pakistan" office. Tharoor was not present in the office when the incident took place. They also demanded the resignation of the Congress leader.
Thiruvananthapuram district BJP president S Suresh said the incident was a protest against a wrong statement.
"This protest took place as Tharoor is the Lok Sabha member from here and hence this is nothing but a natural protest because of his erroneous statement," said Suresh.
Condemning the attack on its leader's office, the Congress demanded an apology from BJP president Amit Shah.

Senior Congress legislator VD Sateeshan told the media that the incident was a show of the BJP's arrogance.
State Congress President MM Hassan and leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala strongly condemned the act.
"It is the fascist face of the BJP that has come out through this. The BJP has once again brought their intolerance against the freedom of expression," Hassan said.
The attack was in response to Tharoor's comment stating that a BJP's victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will pave the way for the creation of 'Hindu Pakistan' in the country.
"The great danger is that if they (the BJP) are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha, then frankly our democratic constitution as we understand will not survive because they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one.
"That will be a new one which will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, will remove equality for minorities, that will create a Hindu Pakistan," Tharoor said while speaking on "Threats faced by Indian Democracy and Secularism" at an event last week.
Following his comment, on July 14, a Kolkata court had summoned Tharoor following a petition moved by lawyer Sumeet Chowdhury dubbing the leader's comments as "a deliberate and malicious act " that was "intended" at "outraging" religious feelings.
(With inputs from agencies)