Shashi Tharoor’s Backing Of LK Advani Sparks Row; Congress Distances Itself, Draws BJP Barbs

Last Updated:November 09, 2025, 18:54 IST

Tharoor received backlash after he defended LK Advani's political legacy, saying the veteran BJP leader "cannot be judged through one episode."

Tharoor's birthday wish for LK Advani triggered a political row. (X/@ShashiTharoor)

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s birthday wish for former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani has sparked a fresh political storm as the Congress distanced itself from his remarks, saying he speaks for himself.

Tharoor on Sunday defended Advani’s political legacy at the latter’s 98th birth anniversary, saying the veteran BJP leader “cannot be judged through one episode." Tharoor praised his “unwavering commitment to public service, modesty, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India."

Tharoor’s wishes received accusations of whitewashing the true history of the BJP leader. A Supreme Court Advocate, Sanjay Hedge, criticised Tharoor, saying that Advani “unleashing the dragon seeds of hatred" could not be called “public service", referencing the Ram Rath Yatra carried out in 1990.

In response, Tharoor wrote, “Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is also unfair. The totality of Nehruji’s career cannot be judged by the China setback, nor Indira Gandhi’s by the Emergency alone. I believe we should extend the same courtesy to Advaniji."

Later, the Congress distanced itself from Tharoor’s remarks, saying he speaks for himself and the fact that he continues to do so as a CWC member reflects the party’s democratic and liberal spirit.

More to follow…

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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News politics Shashi Tharoor’s Backing Of LK Advani Sparks Row; Congress Distances Itself, Draws BJP Barbs

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