Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s recent social media post praising veteran BJP leader LK Advani on his birthday have triggered a political storm, forcing his party to publicly clarify that his views were personal. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera issued a statement on X, clarifying that Tharoor’s remarks were made in a personal capacity. “Like always, Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement,” Khera said.
He added that Tharoor’s freedom to express himself reflected the “democratic and liberal spirit” of the party.
Like always, Dr. Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement.
That he continues to do so as a Congress MP and CWC member reflects the essential democratic and liberal spirit unique to INC.
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) November 9, 2025
Tharoor wishes ‘true statesman’ Advani
The row began after Tharoor extended birthday wishes to Advani, who turned 98 on Saturday. In a post on X, Tharoor called Advani a “true statesman” and praised his “unwavering commitment to public service,” “modesty” and “role in shaping modern India.” He also shared an old photograph of himself with the BJP patriarch.
“Wishing the venerable Shri LK Advani a very happy 98th birthday! His unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India are indelible. A true statesman whose life of service has been exemplary,” Tharoor wrote.
However, his post drew strong criticism online, including from senior advocate Sanjay Hegde. The advocate said that Advani’s legacy was tainted by the “dragon seeds of hatred” sown during the 1990 Ram Rath Yatra, a movement that many believe fuelled communal tensions and led to the Babri Masjid demolition.
Responding to the backlash, Tharoor defended his comments and argued that it was unfair to define a political leader by a single controversial episode. “Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is unfair. Just as Nehruji’s career cannot be defined solely by the China setback, nor Indira Gandhi’s only by the Emergency, the same fairness should be shown to Advaniji,” he wrote on X.
Tharoor’s controversial stands
This is not the first time Tharoor has created discomfort within his party with his statements. In the past, he had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy during a meeting with US President Donald Trump, prompting the Congress to undertake damage control amid speculation of internal rifts.