Shashi Tharoor’s remarks praising BJP veteran L.K. Advani on his birthday has once again sparked controversy, putting the spotlight on both his stance and his party—the Congress.
On the BJP veteran’s 98th birthday, Tharoor described him as a “true statesman whose life of service has been exemplary,” highlighting Advani’s “unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty and decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India.”
“Wishing the venerable Shri L.K. Advani a very happy 98th birthday! His unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty and decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India are indelible. A true statesman whose life of service has been exemplary,” Tharoor wrote on X. His post triggered backlash, including from Congress supporters who accused him of “whitewashing” Advani’s role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Responding to the criticism, Tharoor said it was unfair to allow a single episode to define a leader’s entire career—again putting him at odds with the Congress leadership on such issues. “The totality of Nehruji’s career cannot be judged by the China setback, nor Indira Gandhi’s by the Emergency alone. I believe we should extend the same courtesy to Advaniji,” Tharoor also argued in response to another criticism.
The Congress distanced itself from Tharoor’s statement with Pawan Khera stating, “Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself, and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement.”
“Like always, Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself, and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement. That he continues to do so as a Congress MP and CWC member reflects the essential democratic and liberal spirit unique to the INC,” he said.
The Congress tried to project itself as a “democratic and liberal” party, but the episode marked yet another instance of Tharoor crossing swords with its leadership. Tharoor remains a controversial figure within the Congress, generating debate over whether his actions make him an albatross or an asset for his party.
Tharoor has repeatedly clashed with the Congress leadership, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also criticizing dynastic politics—a subject with direct implications for the party’s Nehru-Gandhi family leadership. His statements, often seized upon by the rival BJP to attack the Congress, have caused embarrassment for the party. Despite this, there is little evidence that the party will take immediate disciplinary action. Tharoor’s intellectual reputation, international stature, and mass appeal give him the political heft that protects him, even as some colleagues label him the BJP’s “super spokesperson.”
For now, the Congress seems to be performing a balancing act—tolerating Tharoor’s views while avoiding making him a martyr, something he seems to be daring the party to do by taking action against him.
