Source NDTV
NEW DELHI – Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday offered a measured but supportive response to his colleague Digvijaya Singh, who recently sparked a political firestorm by praising the “organisational strength” of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Speaking on the sidelines of the Congress party’s 140th Foundation Day, Tharoor emphasized the need for internal discipline and reform, echoing the sentiment that the Grand Old Party must learn from its own history to build a more resilient future.
The Controversy: A “Truth Bomb” on Social Media?
The row began on Saturday when Digvijaya Singh shared a 1990s-era photograph of a young Narendra Modi seated on the floor while senior BJP leaders sat on chairs. Singh described the image as “very impressive” and cited it as an example of the “power of the organisation,” noting how a grassroots worker could rise to become the Prime Minister.
While Singh later clarified that he remains a “staunch opponent” of the RSS ideology and was merely commenting on their structural discipline, his remarks triggered a wave of criticism from within his own party and handed the BJP a fresh opportunity to attack the Congress leadership.
Tharoor’s Response: Focus on Discipline
When asked about Singh’s comments, Tharoor—who has often called for decentralization and reform within the party—did not distance himself from the core message of strengthening the organisation.
“We have a history of 140 years, and we can learn a lot from it. We can learn from ourselves, too,” Tharoor told reporters. “Even I want our organisation to strengthen. There should be discipline in our organisation.”
When pressed on whether he had spoken to Singh following the controversy, Tharoor noted that they were “friends” and that having such conversations was natural. He added, however, that “Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself” regarding the specific choice of his examples.
A House Divided?
Tharoor’s nuanced take stood in contrast to other party leaders who took a harder line:
Pawan Khera: The Congress media department chairman sharply rejected the idea of learning from the RSS, asking, “What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?”
The BJP’s Take: BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan characterized Singh’s post as a “truth bomb” and “open dissent” against Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, alleging that the Congress is run in a “dictatorial manner.”
Internal Reform High on the Agenda
The timing of the row is significant, as it coincided with a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting intended to finalize strategies against the government. Instead, the meeting was reportedly overshadowed by discussions on “over-centralisation” and the need for more pragmatic, decentralized functioning—a cause both Singh and Tharoor have championed in the past.
As the Congress celebrates its 140th year, the debate highlights a continuing internal struggle: how to balance ideological opposition to the BJP-RSS with a pragmatic need to match their formidable grassroots machinery.
