What Are Shashi Tharoor's 'Alternative Options'?
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Buzz about Congress bigwig Shashi Tharoor’s growing conflict with the party leadership flared up recently, with the Thiruvananthapuram MP stating he has alternative “options” if the leadership does not want him. While Tharoor did not insinuate his statement to be related to his political career, discussions are brewing about one of India’s globally known political figures, with some even anticipating him to join the ruling BJP.
Known for being a secular and liberal figure, Tharoor has always opposed the BJP, citing differences with the saffron party’s ideology, one that stands in stark contrast with the four-time Congress MP. The former UN under secretary general has often reiterated that secularity, inclusivity, and belief in a diverse India have always been the core principles of his political stance.
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“I have always been a classic liberal. I oppose communalism and believe in social justice alongside economic growth.” These are the words Tharoor said during a recent interview with the Indian Express when asked about the possibility of joining the BJP. Given the remarks and assertions Tharoor made during the interview, it is clear that the BJP is not his alternative option.
However, Tharoor has expressed his willingness to continue in Congress with greater responsibilities, which was evident from his remark that the party should use his proven leadership calibre while pointing out weaknesses in the Congress Kerala leadership. He has noted that some in the party are working against him.
Though Tharoor has suggested that his ‘alternative options’ are non-political, such as books, speeches, and talks around the world, the politician’s praise of governance, including of Prime Minister Modi and Pinaray Vijayan-led Kerala government for certain initiatives, has nevertheless fueled speculations about his interest over opposite politics.
Some are of the view that Tharoor is flexing, and not quitting, which is evident from his remark since he is the frontrunner among Congress leaders in Kerala and his leadership qualities are recognized by opinion polls and surveys by independent organizations, suggesting that he wanted some key role, including the chief ministerial candidature in the state. He has also pointed out that his supporters are not just Congress workers.
Since the Indian Express interview, speculations are rife that the four-time MP has other “options” including being part of the regional outfits of parties like AAP and TMC, which can have a big say in the national opposition alliance. Also, the possibility of forming his political party cannot be ruled out, observed some political analysts.
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As many Indians are looking for options beyond politics, Tharoor might be able to bank on and take forward that sentiment beyond traditional ideology-based politics in the country, noted veteran journalist and political commentator MG Radhakrishnan.
Last, but not least, there is one more chance that Tharoor, who joined politics “not as a career,” as he said, might abstain from active party politics, speculated some. In one of his speeches, he slammed the trend that once entered politics, politicians in India have a tendency to hang on to it while encouraging young educated to embrace politics. Tharoor had joined the Congress party at the invitation of Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh.
