Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor "tweeted" his apology around midnight to all those hurt by his "cattle class" remark.

Tweeting from Liberia, Tharoor's apology came a day after the Congress party publicly reprimanded him for stating that he would travel "cattle class in solidarity with all our holy cows" in a message posted on the social networking site Twitter.

Tharoor said the phrase 'cattle class' was used by a scribe and he had only repeated it.

"It's a silly expression but means no disrespect to economy class travellers, only to airlines for herding us in like cattle," said the minister.

Even though Tharoor tweeted an apology, but it was not good enough for the Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. At an iftaar party, Gehlot apparently told the media that
'it was unfortunate and unbecoming on his part to make such comments'.

"In my view he should tender his resignation as a minister," said Gehlot.

Gehlot said since Tharoor represents the government, his 'cattle class and holy cows' comments are unacceptable.