The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a vibrant response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticisms of dynasty politics within the Congress and the INDIA alliance, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has boldly defended the phenomenon, arguing that it’s deeply embedded in India’s societal fabric. Tharoor, speaking with PTI, highlighted the widespread nature of such politics, pointing out its existence even within the ranks of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This defense comes amidst accusations from Modi targeting the Congress and its allied parties for their alleged prioritization of familial legacy over political merit.
Tharoor emphasized the cultural underpinnings of dynasty politics in India, contrasting it with Western norms where familial succession in professions is less common. He critiqued Modi’s anti-dynasty stance, suggesting hypocrisy in the Prime Minister’s attacks on the Congress while overlooking similar practices within his own party. According to Tharoor, a significant number of BJP’s ministers and MPs are descendants of established party officials, thereby embodying the very ‘parivar vaad’ Modi condemns.
The Congress stalwart, contesting again from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, shed light on the cultural acceptance of dynastic succession in India, where children frequently inherit their parents’ professions, a tradition that now extends to daughters following in their mothers’ footsteps. Tharoor pointed out his unique position in this debate, having neither inherited his political role nor passed it on to his offspring.
In his critique, Modi has singled out Congress and the INDIA bloc, accusing them of nepotism and focusing solely on their dynasties. Tharoor counters by expressing optimism for a nationwide shift in sentiment against the BJP, favoring the INDIA bloc. He detailed the Congress’s electoral promises, focusing on justice and employment opportunities for the youth, highlighting the alarming unemployment rates among young Indians.
Tharoor, a member of the manifesto committee, shared insights into Congress’s plans to address unemployment through apprenticeship programs, aiming to equip the youth with valuable skills for better job prospects. He vehemently defended the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi against criticisms of ineffectiveness, asserting their active opposition to the BJP’s agenda.
Addressing the contention surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy from Wayanad, Tharoor questioned the Left’s opposition and reiterated Gandhi’s right to contest. He dismissed the idea of being a Prime Ministerial contender, supporting either Kharge or Gandhi for the role, and predicted a decline in BJP’s stronghold in states where it previously dominated.