Congress Responds to Tharoor’s Birthday Greetings to Advani
Senior Congress leader Dr Shashi Tharoor faced fierce online criticism after extending birthday wishes to BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani. The Congress party swiftly distanced itself, stating, “Like always, Dr Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself.”
The controversy erupted on November 8 when Tharoor, known for his bipartisan gestures, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Warm birthday greetings to Shri LK Advani Ji, a stalwart of Indian politics and a respected parliamentarian. May he be blessed with good health and happiness.”
While the message was polite, it drew ire from Congress supporters and critics due to Advani’s association with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and BJP’s Hindutva politics.
Why Did Congress React So Strongly?
A Congress spokesperson clarified:
“The Congress party has not extended any birthday wishes to Shri LK Advani. Dr Tharoor’s views are his own.”
The sharp response highlights the ideological divide between Congress and BJP, particularly on issues like secularism and communal harmony. Analysts suggest the party couldn’t ignore Advani’s role in key controversies, including the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.
Social Media Divided Over Tharoor’s Gesture
Critics slammed Tharoor for “normalizing” a leader they blame for communal tensions:
- “How can a Congress MP praise the man behind the Ram Rath Yatra?”
- “This undermines Congress’s secular values.”
However, others defended the move, calling it “mature and civil”:
- “Respecting elders transcends politics.”
- “Tharoor sets an example of dignity in public life.”
Tharoor’s History of Crossing Party Lines
This isn’t the first time Tharoor has acknowledged political rivals:
– Praised PM Modi’s foreign policy in the past.
– Applauded late BJP leader Sushma Swaraj for her parliamentary conduct.
However, his bipartisan approach has often clashed with Congress’s anti-BJP stance, such as when he attended a PM Modi-led book launch in 2022.
Can Indian Politics Move Beyond Personal Attacks?
The incident raises a broader question—can rival leaders show mutual respect without backlash? While common in Western democracies, bipartisan courtesy in India is often viewed as “weakness” or betrayal.
With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections nearing, Congress fears appearing “soft” on BJP, especially as the INDIA alliance rallies against Modi’s government.
Conclusion: Tharoor’s Balancing Act
For Tharoor, a three-time MP, civility vs. party loyalty remains a challenge. While supporters see him as a rare statesman, critics argue gestures like these carry political weight.
As debates rage, one thing is clear—even a birthday wish can ignite a firestorm in today’s polarized climate. Will this affect Tharoor’s standing in Congress? Only time will tell.
