Congress distances itself after Tharoor praises Advani on 98th birthday
A political debate erupted in Thiruvananthapuram after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised BJP veteran L.K. Advani on his 98th birthday. Tharoor called Advani a “true statesman” and lauded his “unwavering commitment to public service, modesty, and decency.”
On Saturday, Tharoor shared a message on social media, saying Advani’s role in shaping modern India remained indelible. His post read, “His life of service has been exemplary.” Tharoor’s remarks quickly drew mixed reactions from political observers and party supporters.
By Sunday, the Congress party distanced itself from his comments. It clarified that Tharoor’s praise for Advani reflected his personal opinion and not the party’s official stance.
Congress media department head Pawan Khera issued a statement on X, saying, “Like always, Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself. The Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement.” He added that Tharoor’s freedom to express his views showed the party’s liberal and democratic character.
Meanwhile, party insiders noted that Tharoor’s remarks came at a sensitive time when Congress continues to attack the BJP over its ideology. Some leaders reportedly viewed his message as unnecessary and politically avoidable.
However, Tharoor stood by his words. When a lawyer questioned Advani’s role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Tharoor replied that one should not judge an entire career by its controversial moments. He argued that if Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy could not be defined by the 1962 China setback and Indira Gandhi’s by the Emergency, then Advani’s contributions deserved similar fairness.
Tharoor’s response highlighted his long-held belief in recognizing the complexity of political legacies. He maintained that acknowledgment of service should not erase criticism, nor should criticism erase service.
Advani, a founding leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, played a crucial role in shaping India’s contemporary politics. He spearheaded the Ram Janmabhoomi movement through his 1990 Rath Yatra, which mobilized millions and redefined the BJP’s political trajectory.
In 2024, the Government of India conferred the Bharat Ratna on Advani for his decades-long contribution to public life. His political journey spanned over seven decades, during which he served as Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government.
Observers say Tharoor’s praise for Advani reflects his individualistic style and willingness to acknowledge political opponents. Yet, within Congress, his remarks triggered discomfort, especially as the party prepares for key state elections.
As the controversy unfolded, neither Tharoor nor the Congress high command issued any further clarification. Party insiders indicated that the leadership prefers to move past the issue quietly.
For now, the episode once again underlines Tharoor’s maverick reputation within Congress — a leader who often blends courtesy with candor, even when it stirs debate inside his own party.
