(Repens BOM23)

Tharoor said the metropolis symbolises the pluralist values espoused by the Congress and appealed to the Mumbaikars to give his party a chance to run India's richest civic body.

To a question on division in Mumbai Congress due to AICC General Secretary Gurudas Kamat's open criticism of Nirupam's style of functioning, Tharoor said the party leadership was aware of the issue.

The General Secretary in-charge (Mohan Prakash) is seized of the matter, the former Union Minister said. "This is an internal matter of the Congress and will be resolved.

Hitting out at the BJP for raising the Ram Mandir issue in Uttar Pradesh, Tharoor said the saffron outfit is not worthy of engaging in serious politics and the move was aimed at polarising society for votes.

Asked about the Budget session of Parliament and whether the demonetisation issue will be raised again by the Opposition, the MP said his party was concerned about the adverse impact of note-ban on the economy.

"Even elementary homework was not done before the decision was announced. Sixty-two notifications were issued in five weeks by RBI (related to note exchange and other norms).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke of good governance, needs basic lessons in good governance."

"Demonetisation is a classic failure and a disaster for which people will have to pay a heavy price for a long time," the Congress leader said.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)