Congress Leader Tharoor Praises PM Modi, Sparks Internal Buzz
Senior Congress Member of Parliament, Shashi Tharoor, has once again become the focal point of a political discussion within his own party after publicly commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address at the Ramnath Goenka Lecture in New Delhi. The noted author and diplomat, who was present at the event, took to social media to share his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s central themes, sparking a fresh wave of speculation and internal uneasiness among Congress colleagues.
Mr. Tharoor described the Prime Minister’s speech as a potent blend of national aspirations, serving as both an “economic outlook and a cultural call to action.” He specifically highlighted two crucial points made by the Prime Minister. First, he praised the emphasis on “constructive impatience” for development, an idea that encourages the nation to strive for rapid progress rather than complacency. Secondly, the Congress leader supported the PM’s strong push for adopting a “post-colonial mindset.”
A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s lecture was dedicated to challenging the enduring legacy of the British-era educational system, particularly the influence of Thomas Babington Macaulay, which the PM claimed had instilled a “slave mentality.” Mr. Tharoor noted that the Prime Minister appealed for a ten-year national mission aimed at restoring pride in India’s own heritage, languages, and ancient knowledge systems, a goal he appeared to endorse.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP further relayed the Prime Minister’s assertion that India should no longer be viewed merely as an “emerging market” but rather as an “emerging model” for the world, crediting the nation’s economic resilience. He also quoted the Prime Minister addressing the criticism of being constantly in “election mode,” by stating he was actually in an “emotional mode” driven by the public’s concerns.
While Mr. Tharoor acknowledged the inspiring and forward-looking nature of the speech, he included a subtle critique, expressing a wish that the Prime Minister had also recognized the role Ramnath Goenka himself played in using the English language to raise a voice for Indian nationalism. Regardless of this minor caveat, the effusive praise directed at the ruling party’s most prominent figure has predictably deepened the existing discomfort within the Congress party ranks.
This is not the first instance where Mr. Tharoor’s independent views have caused internal friction. His recent comments regarding veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani and his stance on dynastic politics have previously raised eyebrows. The Congress party typically distances itself from such remarks, stating that Mr. Tharoor speaks for himself. However, his continued presence in the senior leadership body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), is often cited as a reflection of the party’s democratic spirit.This latest appreciation for the Prime Minister, however, further highlights the ideological tightrope walk he performs and renews questions about political alignment in the national capital.
