Poor Shashi Tharoor. An innocuous tweet earns him a private rebuke from his boss and a very public reprimand from the party. And it could get worse - if the buzz is to be believed. Of course, he could try explaining himself to the PM, who seems inclined to cut him some slack (balle!!! balle!!! Dour Manmohanji does actually have a sense of humour). But how does he explain himself to Mrs G?

Because the problem for Mr Tharoor is not that the words "Holy cow" offend Indian culture as the BJP so amusingly suggests. Nor is it that the words "cattle class" are insensitive to the aam aadmi - as the Congress would have us believe.

The real problem is that Mr Tharoor sounds sarcastic about flying economy - on the very day Mrs G cheerfully did just that. And being sardonic - or even appearing to sound sardonic -- about a holy cow so lovingly nurtured by 10 Janpath cannot be good for a Congressman's health! As they now privately quip - "so much sensitivity for a holy cow in a party sensitive only to lap dogs"? Tsk tsk.

The minister's was a light hearted comment, you could argue. Even the phraseology wasn't original. But the minister - as a one time diplomat and the author of numerous books - surely understands the power of the twisted word? And as a politician, he'd understand that detractors would grab the slightest opportunity to run him down - especially when he's bruised and vulnerable from a five star controversy.

But what does he do? Instead of retreating into safe silence, he allows an aide to take on the party - again very publicly - by posting tweets about outdated Indian politicians and suchlike!

So how has Tharoor managed to script for himself a comedy of errors? That he's a political greenhorn is obvious - how else can a gentleman in public life reasonably demand privacy as a right. But should we blame naiveté or is he a victim of his chutzpah that leads him to believe he can shake up the system?

Think about it. Tharoor has chosen to tweet his way through MEA guidelines barring the use of social networking sites. He said he wouldn't use them while at work but many of his tweets are about his duties as minister. And now he has the temerity to assume he can joke about his party's holy cows!

Tharoor's apology suggests he may choose to be a conservative mantri from hereon and that'll be a shame -- we'll miss the entertainment. He should stay the course. As a compulsive twitterer, the minister is more accessible to the aam aadmi than many other ministers are ; and we'd much rather hear from a relatively young leader than the many fuddy duddies we're compelled to suffer. Loosen up Congress, don't be immune to logic - and break out in a rash over a little humour.