Shashi Tharoor in Aap Ki Adalat: Respect PM Modi for boosting India's 'soft power'

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in Aap Ki Adalat

From 'Hindu Pakistan' remark to Congress President Rahul Gandhi embracing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament, senior party leader Shashi Tharoor answered a volley of questions from India TV Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma in his popular show “Aap ki Adalat.”

During the hour long show, Tharoor responded to some hard-hitting questions that came his way, one of which was about his controversial 'Hindu Pakistan' remark. Tharoor said he respects Prime Minister Narendra Modi for boosting India's 'soft power' on the international stage, however, added that much more is needed to be done.

"There were two ideas, one of a country based on religion, which is Pakistan. And, the other where religion was irrelevant, which is India. Those challenging the very idea of India are in power right now," he said. Tharoor further called for unity, and said that the Congress party doesn't believe in division.

Earlier in July, a war of words erupted between the Congress and BJP after Tharoor said that if the BJP retains power in 2019 general elections, India will become a "Hindu Pakistan".

On Rahul's prompt hug to the prime minister in Lok Sabha, Tharoor said that the gesture did not signify that we supported BJP, in fact we disagreed with them. On being further asked about the quick mysterious wink that followed moments after the hug, Tharoor chose to play the question rather humorously and said with a heartily laughter, "do you want an abuse to have followed?"

On being asked about how did the idea of hugging PM popped in, the Congress leader, in yet another witty response, immediately put it upon PM Modi.

"Most probably Modi ji, because he hugs world leaders wherever he goes," Tharoor answered.

Watch Promo: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor attacks Centre, refuses to back down from 'Hindu-Pakistan' remark