Congress Clarifies After Shashi Tharoor's Remarks on LK Advani

Shashi Tharoor, a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and MP for Thiruvananthapuram, has stirred controversy following his comments defending the political legacy of former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani. In a statement issued by Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, the party distanced itself from Tharoor's remarks, asserting that he speaks solely for himself and that his views do not represent the official position of the Congress party.

Khera stated, “Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement.” He further noted that Tharoor’s independent views reflect the democratic essence of the Congress party.

Tharoor's remarks were made in light of Advani's 98th birthday, during which he praised the veteran politician for his lengthy service to India. In a post on the social media platform X, Tharoor argued that reducing Advani's extensive political career to a single incident, specifically the 1990 Rath Yatra, is unjust. He remarked, “Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is unfair. Just as Nehruji’s career cannot be defined solely by the China setback, nor Indira Gandhi’s only by the Emergency, the same fairness should be shown to Advaniji.” This post has since attracted significant attention and criticism.

Tharoor's commendation of Advani, whom he described as a “true statesman,” prompted backlash from various sectors. Notably, Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde challenged Tharoor’s representation, asserting that promoting divisive rhetoric does not align with public service. Hegde stated, “Unleashing the ‘dragon seeds of hatred’ in this country is NOT public service,” responding to Tharoor's comparison of Advani with former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

The Rath Yatra, which began from the Somnath temple in Gujarat and was halted in Bihar by then Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, is often considered a pivotal moment in Indian political history. It is widely viewed as having contributed to the communal unrest that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.

Despite the backlash, Tharoor maintained his position, leading the Congress party to reinforce that his comments were made in a personal capacity. This incident is not the first time Tharoor's statements have led to friction with the Congress leadership. His previous endorsements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his initiatives have also raised eyebrows within the party.

In July 2025, K Muraleedharan, a leader in the Kerala Congress, publicly stated that Tharoor was “no longer one of us,” indicating a rift within the party due to Tharoor's independent views. Tharoor responded by stating that his “first loyalty is to the nation,” suggesting that political parties are merely vehicles for national improvement.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has previously hinted at Tharoor's position within the party, suggesting that for some members, allegiance to Modi takes precedence over party loyalty. In November 2025, Tharoor further ignited controversy with an article in Project Syndicate, where he critiqued India’s dynastic political culture, describing it as a “serious threat to democracy.” He argued that when political power is inherited rather than earned through merit, governance suffers. This statement, which referenced the Nehru-Gandhi family as a primary example, met with disapproval from several party members.

Tharoor's comments regarding Advani and the subsequent reactions underscore ongoing tensions within the Congress party as it grapples with internal dissent and divergent views among its members. As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, the implications of Tharoor's remarks and the Congress party's response will likely be closely observed by both supporters and critics alike.