February 15, 2025

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Lok Sabha MP, recently found himself at the center of political controversy for his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit and Kerala’s Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. His approach—acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of governance—has sparked mixed reactions, particularly within his own party. A Balanced View on Governance Tharoor has always maintained a nuanced stance in politics. He believes that when a government, regardless of party affiliation, does something commendable, it deserves appreciation. Conversely, when it falters, it must be criticized. In his words: “If I were to praise all the time, no one would take me seriously. If I were to criticize all the time, no one would take me seriously either… There’s got to be some give and take in democracy.” This statement reflects his attempt to practice constructive politics—an approach not often seen in today’s polarized political landscape. His Take on Modi’s US Visit Tharoor acknowledged that there were positive outcomes from PM Modi’s visit to the United States, such as the agreement for negotiations on trade and tariffs. He pointed out that this was a better alternative to the US unilaterally imposing tariffs on India, which could have adversely affected exports. However, he also raised concerns about issues that were not addressed during the visit, particularly the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the US. Tharoor questioned whether PM Modi had discussed this matter behind closed doors, implying that transparency on such critical topics is necessary. Adding to the intrigue, he noted that even former US President Donald Trump, known for his strong negotiation tactics, had praised Modi’s ability as a negotiator. Tharoor remarked: “To hear a man like Donald Trump, whose defence secretary yesterday called him the greatest negotiator in the world, announcing that the Indian prime minister was a better negotiator than he was, that sounds like something Mr. Modi can put in the bank.” This statement highlighted how Modi’s diplomatic skills were recognized on an international stage, something that India could leverage strategically. Controversy Over Praising Kerala’s LDF Government In addition to his remarks on Modi’s US visit, Tharoor also praised Kerala’s startup economy under the LDF government. He wrote an article highlighting Kerala’s efforts in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. However, this did not sit well with the Congress leadership in Kerala. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) submitted a letter of dissent against Tharoor to the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Congress leader VD Satheesan even questioned the credibility of the data Tharoor used to support his claims about Kerala’s startup ecosystem. Internal Party Conflict Tharoor’s balanced stance has once again put him at odds with his party. While his approach is rooted in fairness, it goes against the conventional party politics where leaders are expected to remain critical of their opponents and avoid acknowledging their achievements. This isn’t the first time Tharoor has faced criticism from within his party. His independent-minded approach and outspoken nature have often led to friction with party leadership. However, his supporters argue that his ability to appreciate good governance—regardless of political allegiance—should be seen as a strength rather than a liability. The Bigger Picture Tharoor’s remarks reflect a larger issue within Indian politics—the reluctance to engage in constructive criticism and bipartisan acknowledgment. In an era where political discourse is often reduced to extreme polarization, leaders like Tharoor, who advocate a more balanced approach, find themselves caught between party lines. While his stance may not always align with Congress’ traditional political strategies, it highlights an important aspect of democracy: the ability to acknowledge both the good and the bad. Whether Congress will embrace this approach or continue to sideline him remains to be seen. What are your thoughts on Tharoor’s stance? Should politicians be more open to recognizing their opponents’ achievements, or is strict party loyalty the way forward? Let us know in the comments!