The Congress party has explicitly stated its dissociation from comments made by MP Shashi Tharoor regarding veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera clarified on social media that Tharoor’s remarks on Advani’s 98th birthday were his own and do not represent the official stance of the Indian National Congress. Khera emphasized that Tharoor, as a Member of Parliament and a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), speaks independently, highlighting the ‘democratic and liberal spirit’ inherent within the party. This move underscores a pattern where Tharoor’s individual statements have previously led to the Congress issuing clarifications. The controversy arose when Tharoor lauded Advani’s contribution to modern India, sharing a photograph on social media. This drew criticism from lawyer Sanjay Hegde, who focused on Advani’s role in the Ram Janambhoomi movement and the Rath Yatra. Tharoor defended his position, arguing that Advani’s extensive political career, which saw him awarded the Bharat Ratna, should not be solely defined by the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. He drew parallels with assessing other leaders, suggesting that a leader’s legacy should not be reduced to a single, albeit significant, event. This incident follows other instances where Tharoor’s opinions, such as his recent comments on dynastic politics being a threat to democracy, have prompted the Congress to clarify its position.
