Tharoor dispels "disappearance" rumours

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday issued a clarification over his "disappearance" from the public eye, stating that he has been bed-ridden and recovering from a "bad chest infection".

Taking to his Twitter account, Tharoor said he was advised to take rest for a few days, adding that he has cancelled all scheduled events and is not responding to phone calls. He also urged people not to believe in brewing rumours about his low-profile in the media in recent days.

"For all my hyper-imaginative friends reading political motives behind my 'disappearance': I am in bed w/ a bad chest infection, on antibiotics, & have been advised a few days' complete rest. Have cancelled all functions for 3 days &am not taking calls. Pls don't listen to rumours," Tharoor tweeted.