Tharoor Says Congress Has Shifted Left to Counter BJP’s Politics
Digital Desk
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said the party has visibly taken a more left-leaning position in recent years, describing the shift as a strategic response to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s “divisive politics.” Speaking at the Jyoti Komireddy Memorial Lecture in Hyderabad, Tharoor contrasted the current ideological posture with the “centrist” approach adopted during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure.
Tharoor noted that several economic policies under the UPA had carried forward initiatives introduced by the previous BJP-led government, calling it an example of political continuity. “In recent years, the party has adopted a clearer left-of-centre stance,” he said, adding that the move has been shaped by electoral realities and the need to differentiate from the ruling party.
Commenting on the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, the Congress MP said such incidents demand uncompromising action. “Terror attacks cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated.
Tharoor also addressed internal Congress matters, ruling out another bid for the AICC presidency. “My past experience was not satisfactory. But internal democracy is essential; no one should hold positions indefinitely,” he said.
On the US Treasury Secretary’s remarks about training foreign workers and sending them back, he noted that India encourages its skilled workers to gain global exposure before contributing back home.
Tharoor’s remarks add to a long list of statements in recent years that have drawn both praise and discomfort within his party. He has frequently acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political energy, called the Emergency a dark chapter, criticised dynastic politics, and supported India’s firm foreign policy moves—including Operation Sindoor and India’s stance on the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Despite these departures, Tharoor insisted that constructive criticism and ideological flexibility strengthen democratic institutions. “Our politics must evolve with the times,” he said, emphasising the need for a credible alternative narrative ahead of future national elections.
