'Curtains down ...': Rajeev Chandrasekhar deletes X post, posts clarification amid 'misunderstanding'

Chandrasekhar, who contested from Thiruvananthapuram, was defeated by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday deleted a post from X, formerly known as Twitter, where he said he was bowing out from his "18 year stint of public service".

However, he later clarified that he would continue as a karyakarta. “I am clarifying that my political career continues as a Karyakarta, my career as MP/Minister has ended after 18 years. Too may people misunderstanding  my tweet below and so the clarification,” he said on X.

Earlier, Chandrasekhar said, "today curtains down on my 18 year stint of public service , of which 3 years i had the privilege to serve with PM @narendramodi ji's TeamModi2.0". I certainly didnt intend to end my 18 years of public service, as a candidate who lost an Election, but thats how its turned out. My deepest thanks to all those I met,  all those who supported me - and in particular all those karyakartas and leaders who so inspired and energized me. Thanks also to my colleagues in govt over last 3 years. As a @BJP4India karyakarta, I will continue to support and work in party," his ealier post read.

Meanwhile, Congress leader  Shashi Tharoor wished Chandrasekhar for his journey ahead. "As someone who discussed various issues with you during your stint in government, I have no doubt that there is much more you can contribute to our country through public service. Elective office is only one path (and you are young enough to have another crack at that too!) All the best for the future," Tharoor posted on X.

Chandrasekhar, who contested from Thiruvananthapuram,  was defeated by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The Congress leader won by 16,077 votes after trailing Mr Chandrasekhar for part of the day.