The Congress party rejected MP Shashi Tharoor’s remarks praising BJP veteran LK Advani on his 98th birthday. Tharoor had called Advani a “true statesman” known for his modesty, decency, and long years of public service.
His message triggered sharp criticism. Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde said Advani’s actions “unleashed the dragon seeds of hatred” and could not be called public service. Tharoor responded that judging Advani’s entire career by one event, the Ram Rath Yatra, was unfair. He argued that Nehru and Indira Gandhi were not defined by their worst decisions, and Advani deserved the same fairness.
Hegde countered that the Rath Yatra was not just an episode but a long campaign against India’s secular foundation.
Reacting to the row, Congress media chief Pawan Khera said, “Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself. The Congress completely dissociates itself from his statement.” He added that Tharoor’s freedom to express his views showed the party’s democratic spirit.
Advani, who led the BJP’s rise and spearheaded the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, received the Bharat Ratna this year. His 1990 Rath Yatra remains one of India’s most divisive political campaigns.
