Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s diminishing role within the party was inevitable, the BJP claimed on Monday, following his decision to contest the presidential election against what they describe as the Gandhi family’s “nominee,” Mallikarjun Kharge. The remarks come amid growing speculation about Tharoor’s standing within the Congress, with the BJP seizing the opportunity to target the party’s internal dynamics.
BJP Criticizes Congress Over Leadership Structure
The BJP launched a fresh attack on the Congress, accusing it of being a “proprietorship firm” run by the Gandhi family. Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP’s IT department, took to social media to assert that the party functions as a closed circle where dissent is not tolerated.
“Shashi Tharoor’s marginalisation was bound to happen. He dared to challenge the Gandhi family’s chosen candidate. In Congress, there is no space for independent thought or leadership beyond the family,” Malviya said.
His statement reflects a broader criticism often leveled by the BJP—that the Congress is dominated by a single family, leaving little room for internal democracy. The Congress, however, has consistently refuted such claims, maintaining that its leadership elections were fair and transparent.
Tharoor’s Position in Congress Under Scrutiny
Tharoor, a prominent Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram and a three-time Lok Sabha member, has long been known for his independent stance. His decision to contest the presidential election against Kharge was seen as a bold move, despite many within the party acknowledging that Kharge had the backing of the Gandhi family.
Following the election, where Tharoor secured a significant number of votes but lost to Kharge, there has been speculation about his future in the party. While he has continued to be active, questions about his role and influence have persisted.
One senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Tharoor remains an asset to the party, but his position has certainly been affected after the election. It’s not easy to contest against the party establishment and expect things to remain the same.”
BJP’s Strategy: Targeting Congress Leadership
The BJP has frequently targeted the Congress over its leadership structure, particularly ahead of elections. By bringing Tharoor’s situation into focus, the ruling party is attempting to reinforce its narrative that the Congress does not tolerate leaders who challenge the status quo.
- BJP leaders argue that Congress has a long history of sidelining those who question the Gandhi family’s influence.
- The ruling party is also seeking to appeal to voters who may be disillusioned with dynasty politics.
- With national elections approaching, BJP is intensifying attacks on Congress’s leadership to consolidate its base.
Political analysts say this rhetoric is a calculated move aimed at weakening Congress’s credibility. “The BJP’s narrative on dynasty politics resonates with a section of voters. By using Tharoor’s case, they are reinforcing their long-standing argument against the Congress,” said political commentator Rajiv Pathak.
Congress Defends Its Internal Democracy
Despite the criticism, the Congress has defended its internal election process, calling it a testament to the party’s commitment to democracy. Tharoor himself has repeatedly stated that he was given a fair opportunity to contest and that his campaign was never obstructed.
“The fact that I was able to contest, campaign, and secure thousands of votes shows that Congress remains the only party in India where internal elections are possible,” Tharoor said after the results were declared.
However, political observers point out that while Congress held an election, the power dynamics within the party make it difficult for anyone outside the central leadership to rise to the top. “Congress has elections, but power is still concentrated at the top. That’s the reality,” said veteran journalist Anil Verma.
