A recent statement by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, advocating for post-election collaboration in line with the Trump-Mamdani meeting, has been positively acknowledged by the BJP. Tharoor highlighted the importance of bridging political divides after elections for the greater good of the nation. This sentiment found resonance with the BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla, who used the moment to indirectly question the Congress party’s stance under Rahul Gandhi, urging a more democratic and less antagonistic political culture.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Tharoor shared his perspective on X, stating, “This is how democracy should work. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it’s over, & the people have spoken, learn to cooperate with each other in the common interests of the nation you are both pledged to serve. I would love to see more of this in India — and am trying to do my part.” He cited the interaction between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani as an example of constructive engagement following competitive elections.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla responded by posting, “Once again Shashi Tharoor reminds Congress to put India First not Parivar. But will Rahul Gandhi get the message? One more Fatwa loading against Shashi???” Poonawalla’s comments imply that Tharoor’s views might be out of sync with the prevailing Congress narrative, and he sarcastically anticipates a negative reaction from within the party towards Tharoor. This follows a precedent where Tharoor’s independent opinions, such as his recent birthday tribute to L.K. Advani, led to the Congress distancing itself. The meeting that sparked Tharoor’s comments involved Trump and Mamdani adopting a more cordial approach after a period of sharp electoral rhetoric.