Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has faced significant backlash for a social media post that commended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran L.K. Advani, who has long been associated with fostering Islamophobia and instigating anti-Muslim violence throughout his political career.
On Friday, Tharoor posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing, “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 tweet provoked immediate criticism from various public figures who challenged Tharoor’s characterization of Advani as a “true statesman.”
Tharoor’s remarks reignited discussions surrounding Advani’s legacy, particularly focusing on his 1990 Rath Yatra, which is believed to have mobilized anti-Muslim sentiments in India and led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid, further entrenching Hindutva politics in the nation’s political landscape.
Senior lawyer and veteran public figure Sanjay Hegde responded, stating: “Sorry Mr Tharoor, unleashing the ‘dragon seeds of hatred’ (to quote Kushwant Singh) in this country is NOT public service.”
Tharoor defended his comments, asserting, “Agreed, Sanjay Hegde — but reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is also unfair. 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 Advaniji.”
Hegde countered Tharoor’s defense, emphasizing, “The Rath Yatra was not an episode. It was a long march to reverse the foundational principles of the Indian Republic. It set the stage for 2002 and 2014 and thereafter. Like Draupadi’s dishonour set the stage for the Mahabharata that followed, the Rath Yatra and its legacy of violence continue to haunt the destiny of this country. From his current bed of arrows, he has not preached any Rajdharma either.”
Human rights activist Shabnam Hashmi added her criticism, stating, “Really Shashi? What about the rath yatra and the riots that followed? The hatred? Killings? The demolition? Shocked to see this tweet. Shaping the trajectory of modern India!!! Is this a joke? He and other BJP/RSS leaders are responsible for pushing India many centuries back.”
Journalist Irena Akbar commented, “His rath yatra reshaped India’s trajectory for the worst. He is a sad man who could never become PM, and the current PM, whom he promoted, gives him a cold shoulder. This is the Divine recompense for his ‘unwavering commitment to public DISservice.’”
The reaction to Tharoor’s post illustrates the deep divisions in Indian political discourse, especially concerning the legacy of figures associated with the BJP and Hindutva politics.
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