Shashi Tharoor Pulls Out of UN Race

Shashi Tharoor , an Indian backed nominee, yesterday had pulled out from the race for the post of United Nation's Secretary General. Judging from the result of the forth round of straw election held this week, the South Korean Foreign Ban Ki- Moon had emerged a clear winner.

Mr Ban had a comfortable win with 14 encouragement votes, including votes, from all the five permanent Security Council members. The final poll, will take place on October 9.

Mr Tharoor, came a poor second, having received 10 votes in favour, three against and two no opinion, which made him to withdraw his candidature, from the race of the UN Secretary General.

The cast of negative vote, by a permanent member, against Tharoor, was a huge setback to his candidature. It is believed, that member was the United States, who is considered a close ally of South Korean.

The news of Tharoor withdrawal for the race came as a huge disappointment, to the people of India. There is a feeling, in the Indian camp, that in the run up to the poll, the Indian government, was seen lacking in effort in canvassing and giving a final thrust, to its nominee Tharoor.

Just after announcing his decision to drop out of the race, Tharoor speaking to the UN correspondent expressed no regret for his decision and thanked the Indian government for supporting his candidature. He said it was a great honour to have been the bearer of India's nomination, as well as of the hopes and aspiration, of many well-wishers in India and around the world.

Asked about his future, Tharoor said, that he was so focused on winning the race, that he had made no Plan B. As a parting shot, he said his options are open including going back to India.

No sooner Tharoor announced his withdrawal from the race, he had sent in his congratulation letter to Mr Ban.

The other candidates, in the race were Latavian President Vaira Vike ? Freiberga, deputy premier in the ousted Thai government Surakiart Sathirathai, Jorden's UN ambassador Prince Zeid al-Hussein and Afghanistan's former finance minister Ashraf Ghani.

Just before the poll, there was some ray of hope for Tharoor, when a British daily The Times, London last week, exposed the aggressive campaign carried out on behalf of Ban by his country South Korea.

The Times reported that votes were garnered with inducement of large financial contribution. Funding involving tens of million of pounds were made to African countries, which included, lucrative trade agreement in Europe and even a gift of a grand piano to Peru.

Even if there is an iota of truth in this report, then it would be extremely unfortunate precedent set in the run to the poll and does no augur well for the post of UN Secretary- General, which is widely considered a most influential role in running the affairs the United States.