Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has publicly endorsed colleague Digvijaya Singh's recent remarks, stressing the urgent need to strengthen the party's organisation and enforce discipline within its ranks. This development comes amid internal discussions on the Congress's future strategy and structure.
Singh's Praise for RSS-BJP Sparks Debate
The controversy began on Saturday, ahead of a crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. Digvijaya Singh shared an old picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, which he found on Quora. In his post, Singh pointedly admired the organisational prowess of the RSS and the BJP. He highlighted Modi's journey from a grassroots swayamsevak of the RSS and a worker of the Jan Sangh to becoming Chief Minister and then Prime Minister, attributing this ascent to "the power of organisation."
Tharoor Echoes the Sentiment for Reform
On Sunday, during the sidelines of the Congress's 140th foundation day celebrations at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Shashi Tharoor voiced his agreement. He stated that he too desires a more robust Congress organisation and emphasised that discipline must be a cornerstone. Tharoor, who was seated beside Singh at the event, also took to X to commemorate the party's legacy, noting its role as a cornerstone of India's democratic journey since its first session in 1885.
Congress Leaders Present a United Front
Responding to the buzz created by his comments, Digvijaya Singh later clarified his stance. He asserted that the Congress party remains "united" and accused the BJP of attempting to create divisions within the Nehru-Gandhi family. Singh reaffirmed his fundamental ideological opposition to the BJP-RSS combine, vowing to continue his fight against them. On his specific remarks about organisation, he explained that every party needs strengthening and noted that Rahul Gandhi has already initiated a bottom-up process of organisational revamp from the district level.
Meanwhile, another senior Congress leader, Salman Khurshid, offered a different perspective. While acknowledging the party has its own strengths from which others can learn, he firmly stated, "We certainly don't need to learn from RSS as we oppose that ideology." This highlights the nuanced reactions within the party to Singh's original comparison.
The exchange underscores a significant internal conversation within the Congress about its organisational health and future direction, even as it celebrates a major historical milestone.
