Shashi Tharoor: A Unique Voice in Congress
Shashi Tharoor stands out in the Congress party. He is respected and admired but often challenges the party line. He is known for his strong opinions and impressive vocabulary.
Tharoor’s journey in politics has been anything but ordinary. He has been a vocal critic within the party, pushing for change and reform. His actions often make the Congress nervous, but even rivals listen when he speaks.
The Call for Inner-Party Democracy
After the Congress loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Tharoor has been vocal about the need for change. Former Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha agreed, stating:
“Congress needs to encourage a more open inner-party democracy. It has mostly been open to criticism and feedback. But the BJP likes to create divisions.”
Sanjay Jha
The G-23: A Call for Reform
In 2020, Tharoor joined a group of 23 senior Congress leaders. They wrote to the high command, demanding internal reforms and stable leadership. However, Gandhi loyalists dismissed their demands.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) rebuked the dissenters. They urged Rahul Gandhi to take over as party president. The CWC asserted that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi had consistently challenged the BJP government’s actions. This move was seen as a mutiny against the Gandhi family’s grip on the party.
“That was an attempt to muddy the waters within the Congress and complicate things. The Congress party needs to be smart and show the country that it has the talent and expertise to influence policies.”
Sanjay Jha on all-party delegations
Tharoor vs Kharge: A Battle for Change
In 2022, Tharoor contested the Congress presidential election. It was the party’s first non-Gandhi face-off in 24 years. He spoke of the need for internal democracy and meaningful change. However, he lost the election and later noted that the contest lacked a fair footing.
The Malabar Tour: A Solo Journey
Tharoor embarked on a political tour across Kerala’s Malabar region. This drew criticism from the state Congress leadership. Party leaders accused him of running a “parallel campaign.” The trip seemed more like a launch of “Brand Tharoor”—suave, solo, and slightly rebellious.
Off-Script Moments: Tharoor’s Candid Views
Seeking Clarity on His Role
Tharoor has often questioned his role in the party. Earlier this year, he publicly criticized the leadership vacuum in the Kerala Congress. He met Rahul Gandhi to seek clarity over his own role within the party.
“I am 100% convinced that the Congress sees Shashi Tharoor as a strategic asset for the party. If the party were to have a shadow cabinet, Shashi Tharoor would definitely be the external affairs minister.”
Sanjay Jha
A Comment on the Party Structure
Tharoor has commented on the Congress being a “family-run party.” He suggested that either Mr. Kharge or Rahul Gandhi would be the PM if the party won the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Praising the Government
Tharoor has sparked controversy by praising the ruling government’s policies. His repeated praise for the Modi government’s policies on various issues made the Congress distance itself from his views.
“The problem in all political parties, the Congress is not an exception, is that the party takes a certain posture or position over an issue, and mostly everybody is expected to fall in line.”
Sanjay Jha
His recent support for the Centre earned him the title of “super spokesperson of the BJP.” However, he has made it clear that he was only speaking in the national interest.
While rumors keep bringing Tharoor and the BJP closer, Jha completely rejected this, calling him one of the most “vocal critics” of the Modi government.
“I don’t think Shashi Tharoor is going to leave the Congress. He is definitely not going to ever join the BJP. If you read his writings, if you hear his speeches in Parliament and outside, he has been one of the most vocal critics of Mr. Modi’s government.”
Sanjay Jha
Now, the question is: will he walk away or continue pushing for change from within? One thing is clear—Tharoor is a unique voice in the Congress, known for his candor and strong opinions.
