New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing criticism after praising BJP veteran L.K. Advani on his 98th birthday, with the Congress party distancing itself from his remarks. Tharoor lauded Advani’s "unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India," calling him a "true statesman whose life of service has been exemplary".
The controversy arose after Tharoor's birthday wishes to Advani on X (formerly Twitter). "Wishing the venerable Shri L.K. Advani a very happy 98th birthday! His unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India are indelible," Tharoor posted.
The Congress party swiftly responded to the situation, with party spokesperson Pawan Khera stating, "Like always, Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself, and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement". Khera added that Tharoor's continued presence in the Congress Working Committee (CWC) "reflects the essential democratic and liberal spirit unique to the INC".
Tharoor defended his position by arguing that a political legacy should not be defined by a single event. Responding to criticism, he stated, "Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is unfair". He drew parallels with past Prime Ministers, saying, "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".
However, Tharoor's remarks drew strong reactions, including from senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, who alluded to Advani's role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. Hegde responded to Tharoor's post, writing, "Unleashing the 'dragon seeds of hatred' in this country is NOT public service," referencing Khushwant Singh's remark about Advani. Tharoor's response was that it is unfair to judge a political career spanning decades based on one incident alone.
Advani, a founding figure of the BJP and a key architect of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, was awarded the Bharat Ratna earlier this year. He has largely retired from public life.
This isn't the first time Tharoor has been at odds with his own party due to his views on the BJP. He has previously described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "undoubtedly the most dominant political figure in the country". In the past, Tharoor has supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump. Further, the central government appointed Tharoor to head a foreign delegation to explain Operation Sindoor, despite Congress's opposition.
