Congress Clarifies Stance After Tharoor Praises LK Advani

The Indian National Congress has sought to distance itself from senior leader Shashi Tharoor following his recent praise for veteran politician Lal Krishna Advani, which has stirred controversy within the party. This situation arose after Tharoor publicly wished Advani a happy 98th birthday, referring to him as a “true statesman” and commending his long-standing commitment to public service. Tharoor’s message, posted on X, highlighted Advani’s significant role in shaping modern India, stating, “His unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India are indelible.”

In response to the backlash, party spokesperson Pawan Khera quickly clarified the Congress’s position. He stated on X that “Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself,” indicating that the party does not align with his views on Advani. Khera emphasized that Tharoor’s continued involvement in the Congress Working Committee demonstrates the party’s commitment to democratic principles, stating, “the essential democratic and liberal spirit unique to the INC.”

Advani, who turned 98 on March 30, 2024, is a founding figure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a pivotal architect of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Earlier this year, he received the prestigious Bharat Ratna award, further solidifying his legacy in Indian politics. Yet, Tharoor’s remarks have polarized opinions, drawing criticism from various quarters.

Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde responded to Tharoor’s post by questioning Advani’s legacy, stating, “Unleashing the ‘dragon seeds of hatred’ in this country is NOT public service.” He referred to Advani’s controversial Rath Yatra, which preceded the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, marking a significant event in India’s communal tensions.

Defending his comments, Tharoor countered that a political legacy should not be reduced to a single event. He argued, “Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is unfair.” Tharoor drew parallels with other historical leaders, suggesting that the entirety of a politician’s career, including both achievements and missteps, should be considered.

Earlier in the week, Tharoor also stirred debate with an article titled “Indian Politics Are a Family Business,” published by Project Syndicate. In this piece, he criticized dynastic politics across all political parties in India, stating, “It is high time India traded dynasty for meritocracy.” Tharoor warned that lineage-based leadership poses “a grave threat” to Indian democracy.

In reaction to Tharoor’s article, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla implied that it reflected Tharoor’s disappointment with Rahul Gandhi, suggesting a shift in allegiance. Poonawalla remarked that Tharoor had become a “khatron ke khiladi,” a term used to describe someone who courts danger.

Meanwhile, Congress Member of Parliament Udit Raj defended the existence of political dynasties, arguing that such patterns are observable in various professions, including medicine and business. He asserted, “A doctor’s son becomes a doctor, a businessman’s child continues in business, and politics is no exception.”

This incident is not Tharoor’s first controversy within the Congress. Earlier this year, he described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “undoubtedly the most dominant political figure in the country,” a statement that also attracted criticism from fellow Congress members amid ongoing tensions with the BJP.

As internal discussions continue, the Congress is likely to navigate the complexities of maintaining unity while addressing divergent views within its ranks.