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The article highlights the growing discontent within the Indian National Congress (INC) towards Shashi Tharoor, a prominent member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and a four-time Member of Parliament representing Thiruvananthapuram. The crux of the issue stems from Tharoor's recent article criticizing the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi for their actions during the Emergency, a period of authoritarian rule in India from 1975 to 1977. This critique has been perceived by many within the Congress as a strategic blunder, inadvertently bolstering the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ongoing campaign against the Gandhi family, particularly as the 50th anniversary of the Emergency approaches. The BJP has actively amplified Tharoor's comments on social media, using them to further their narrative and attack the Congress party's historical legacy. The situation is further complicated by the high command's implicit instruction to downplay the Emergency issue, making Tharoor's public criticism all the more controversial.
Several Congress leaders in Kerala have voiced their disapproval of Tharoor's actions. Veteran Congress leader K.C. Joseph subtly criticized Tharoor through a social media post referencing the adage of felling a valuable tree that threatens the house, indicating that even a valuable asset needs to be removed if it poses a danger. Former KPCC president K. Muraleedharan was more direct, suggesting that Tharoor should resign from the Congress party and relinquish his parliamentary seat if he feels constrained within the party's ideology. Muraleedharan also questioned Tharoor's tendency to praise BJP and Communist leaders while seemingly avoiding any commendation for Congress leaders. This perceived bias has fueled suspicion and resentment among some Congress members who believe Tharoor's allegiance and motives are questionable.
Adding fuel to the fire, Congress MP V.K. Sreekantan pointed out that while the country currently faces an 'undeclared Emergency' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Tharoor seemingly reserves his praise for Modi. This juxtaposition intensifies the perception of Tharoor as someone who is critical of his own party while being lenient towards the opposition. The criticism has transcended party lines, with Communist Party of India (CPI) State Secretary Binoy Viswam urging Tharoor to resign from the CWC and join the BJP. Viswam accused Tharoor of becoming a 'spokesperson for the BJP' and brazenly furthering their 'Hindu nationalist cause' while disguising himself as a Congress worker. This accusation underscores the severity of the situation and the depth of the distrust towards Tharoor's political leanings.
The incident reveals deeper tensions within the Congress party regarding its approach to historical narratives and its relationship with the BJP. Tharoor's intellectualism and independent thinking, while often seen as an asset, appear to have backfired in this instance, putting him at odds with the party's established position. The controversy also highlights the challenges of reconciling historical accountability with the need for political unity and strategic messaging. The differing perspectives on the Emergency and the appropriate way to address its legacy are clearly dividing the Congress, with Tharoor finding himself isolated and facing mounting pressure to either conform or depart.
Furthermore, the article underscores the increasing polarization of Indian politics and the strategic use of historical events for contemporary political gain. The BJP's skillful amplification of Tharoor's critique demonstrates their understanding of how to leverage historical controversies to weaken their opponents. The situation also reflects the growing influence of social media in shaping public perception and the speed at which controversial statements can be disseminated and exploited. Tharoor's predicament serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of voicing dissenting opinions within a highly charged political environment. The long-term impact of this controversy on Tharoor's political career and the Congress party's internal dynamics remains to be seen.
The criticisms hurled at Tharoor raise pertinent questions about the freedom of expression within a political party. While loyalty and adherence to party lines are undoubtedly important, stifling dissenting voices can lead to intellectual stagnation and a lack of critical self-reflection. The Congress party needs to strike a balance between maintaining discipline and fostering an environment where members can express their opinions, even if they diverge from the mainstream view. The handling of this situation will be a test of the party's commitment to internal democracy and its ability to adapt to the evolving political landscape.
Moreover, the incident exposes the vulnerability of the Congress party to attacks related to its past. The Emergency remains a sensitive issue, and the BJP has consistently exploited it to portray the Congress as an authoritarian and undemocratic force. The party needs to develop a more coherent and persuasive narrative to counter these accusations. Simply ignoring the Emergency or attempting to downplay its significance is not a viable strategy. Instead, the Congress should acknowledge the mistakes of the past while emphasizing its commitment to democratic values and its role in shaping modern India.
In conclusion, the growing criticism against Shashi Tharoor within the Congress party reflects a complex interplay of factors, including historical sensitivities, political polarization, and internal power dynamics. The controversy underscores the challenges of navigating complex political landscapes and the importance of balancing individual expression with party loyalty. The long-term ramifications of this incident will likely shape the future of both Shashi Tharoor and the Congress party.
Source: Voices of criticism against Tharoor in Congress grow shriller