Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised senior BJP leader LK Advani on his 98th birthday. Because of this, some people questioned Tharoor’s political stand. In response, Tharoor explained why one single incident should not decide a person’s entire legacy.
Tharoor said that just like Jawaharlal Nehru should not be judged only for India’s defeat in the China war, and Indira Gandhi should not be judged only for the Emergency, people should not judge Advani only for his Rath Yatra. Many believe the Rath Yatra played a role in the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya.
A lawyer, Sanjay Hegde, disagreed with Tharoor and said that Advani spread “dragon seeds of hatred” — a phrase taken from writer Khushwant Singh, who had once told Advani the same thing at a public event.
Tharoor, however, said that Advani’s long career in public service should not be reduced to just one controversial event.
In his birthday message, Tharoor also shared an old photo with Advani and praised him for his public service, simplicity, and role in shaping India’s politics. He called Advani a “true statesman”.
Recently, Tharoor also wrote an article criticizing dynastic politics in the Nehru-Gandhi family. This earned him praise from BJP leaders, who called his piece honest and bold.
