# Tharoor says remarks on Rahul’s youth outreach were distorted

2026-08-09T10:07:02+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has accused journalists of distorting his remarks about Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron ki Goonj' student outreach programme. Speaking at an IIMUN event in Mumbai, Tharoor had agreed the programme had not resonated with Gen Z as much as the Cockroach Janata Party's protests, saying parties must "interrogate" their failure to connect. He released the full video on X, insisting his point was about opening party doors to young people, not attacking the leadership. Separately, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal urged party leaders to "exercise caution" and avoid remarks that might "appease the BJP." He said he did not believe Tharoor spoke deliberately but warned that the BJP would welcome any criticism of Rahul Gandhi.

## Coverage

- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/tharoor-explains-distorted-remarks-on-rahuls-student-outreach-event/20260809.htm>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/avoid-comments-that-appease-bjp-kc-venugopal-asks-cong-leaders-to-be-careful-after-tharoors-cjp-remarks/articleshow/133066654.cms>

Tags: Congress, Gen Z, media distortion, Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, youth politics
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