Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sparked a new debate by publicly praising veteran BJP leader LK Advani, prompting his party to clarify that Tharoor’s remarks reflect his personal views—not the official stance of Congress.
Shashi Tharoor’s recent praise for BJP veteran LK Advani set off a political storm, prompting the Congress party to swiftly distance itself and reiterate its tradition of inner democratic freedom. The row erupted after Tharoor, a senior Congress MP and author, posted a birthday message to Advani on his 98th birthday, describing him as a “true statesman” whose lifelong public service, modesty, and role in shaping modern India were “indelible.” He also posted an old photo with Advani, lauding his exemplary journey.
Tharoor’s remarks immediately drew sharp reactions—especially in light of Advani’s controversial role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the 1990 Rath Yatra, events often linked to the demolition of the Babri Masjid and a shift in India’s political discourse. Critics accused Tharoor of “whitewashing” history and ignoring communal tensions that many attribute to Advani’s political actions.
Responding to the backlash, Tharoor stuck to his position, saying a leader’s legacy cannot and should not be confined to one significant controversy. He argued, “Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is also unfair. 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.”
Congress acted quickly to clarify its official stance. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera stated on X (formerly Twitter): “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 ability to publicly voice his views was “a reflection of the party’s democratic and liberal spirit.”
This incident isn’t Tharoor’s first brush with controversy for praising leaders on the opposite side of the aisle. Earlier this year, he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conduct on the global stage. Despite friction with Congress leadership, Tharoor stands by his belief in bipartisan respect and nuanced historical judgment.
Advani, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna this year, is considered a key architect of the BJP’s rise as a national force and remains a figure of both deep admiration and heated debate in Indian politics
