Congress Distances Itself After Shashi Tharoor’s Birthday Wishes To Advani Spark Backlash

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s birthday greetings to veteran BJP leader LK Advani sparked a political storm on social media on Saturday, prompting the Congress to publicly distance itself from his remarks.

Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend his wishes to the BJP stalwart, writing, “Wishing the venerable Shri L.K. Advani a very happy 98th birthday! His unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India are indelible. A true statesman whose life of service has been exemplary.”

The message, however, drew sharp reactions online, with several users criticising Tharoor for praising a leader they said had played a key role in polarising Indian politics. Responding to the backlash, Tharoor clarified that his intent was to acknowledge Advani’s long public career and not to overlook his controversial role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Defending his remarks, Tharoor said, “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 Advani-ji.”

But criticism continued to pour in. One lawyer on X posted, “Sorry Mr Tharoor, unleashing the ‘dragon seeds of hatred’ (to quote Khushwant Singh) in this country is NOT public service.”

Amid the uproar, Congress spokesperson and head of media and publicity, Pawan Khera, issued a clarification on behalf of the party. “Like always, Dr Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement. That he continues to do so as a Congress MP and CWC member reflects the essential democratic and liberal spirit unique to INC,” Khera said.

Tharoor, a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, is known for his independent positions within the party and has often courted controversy for remarks seen as out of sync with the Congress line. Earlier, he had written about the need to rethink dynastic politics in an article that drew attention within the party, stating that the Nehru-Gandhi family had “cemented the idea that political leadership can be a birthright.”

In the past too, Tharoor’s comments on issues such as the 2016 surgical strikes and India’s foreign policy have triggered internal debate, with some Congress leaders remarking that “when Tharoor speaks, it is not the party’s opinion.”

The latest episode once again highlights the balancing act between individual expression and party discipline within the Congress, as Tharoor’s social media remarks continue to stir both appreciation and unease among party ranks.