Tharoor Torches Dynastic Politics in Blistering Op-Ed;Congress MP says Nehru-Gandhi legacy turned leadership into ‘birthright’

The Thiruvananthapuram lawmaker opened with the Nehru-Gandhi clan Jawaharlal, Indira, Rajiv, Rahul, Priyanka whose freedom struggle halo, he wrote, “cemented the idea that political leadership can be a birthright.”

He then rattled off heirs apparent nationwide: Abdullahs in Kashmir, Yadavs in Uttar Pradesh, Thackerays in Maharashtra, Patnaiks in Odisha, Stalins in Tamil Nadu, Badals in Punjab, KCR’s brood in Telangana.

“When power flows from lineage rather than ability or grassroots grit, governance suffers,” Tharoor argued. He called for legally capped tenures, mandatory party polls and voter education to prize merit over surname.

BJP spokesmen crowed victory. Shehzad Poonawalla branded the piece “insightful,” dubbing Tharoor “Khatron ke Khiladi” for knifing his own high command. IT cell chief Amit Malviya called it proof of “frustration” inside Congress over Rahul Gandhi’s grip.

Congress circled wagons. MP Udit Raj shrugged that doctors and actors inherit trades too. Veteran Rashid Alvi insisted voters, not rules, decide who runs. Neither named the Gandhis directly.

The broadside lands amid Tharoor’s year-long drift from party scripture. He has hailed Modi’s diplomacy, Operation Sindoor and even the PM’s “energy” as national assets remarks that once earned quiet reprimands.

With Bihar polls in final stretch and 2026 state races looming, Tharoor’s words gift the BJP fresh “parivarvad” ammunition. Congress insiders whisper the Kerala unit may demand an explanation. For now, the MP stands unapologetic, tweeting only a link to the essay.