NEW DELHI: Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Shashi Tharoor on Saturday asserted that the nation is supreme and political parties are merely a means to improve the country. Speaking at a private event on the theme of ‘Peace, Unity, and National Development,’ Tharoor reiterated that the goal of any party should be to build a better India, and parties have the right to disagree on the best methods to achieve this objective.
Tharoor, a vocal Member of Parliament, firmly stated his resolve to stand by his support for the country’s armed forces and the government, believing it to be in the nation’s best interest. “Parties have every right to disagree, and as you know, many have been very critical of my stance because I have supported the armed forces and our government after what happened recently,” Tharoor said, referring to past instances where his support for government actions, particularly concerning national security, drew flak from within his own party.
“When I talk about India, I am talking about all Indians, not just those who like my party,” he added.
Quoting former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Tharoor posed a poignant question: “If India dies, who will then be left to live?” He urged leaders and people from all parties to set aside their differences when the nation is in peril.
“Cooperation Among Parties is Essential”
Tharoor acknowledged the inherent competitive nature of politics in any democracy. “As a result, when people like me say we respect our parties, we have certain values and beliefs that keep us in our parties, but in the interest of national security, we need to cooperate with other parties.
Sometimes, parties feel this is a betrayal of themselves, and this becomes a big problem,” he explained, shedding light on the internal party dynamics that often complicate cross-party cooperation on national issues.
When questioned by an agency about any potential issues with the Congress high command following his remarks, Tharoor deftly sidestepped the query.
“I am not here to discuss any political issue or problem. I came here to deliver two speeches, and I hope both speeches were on topics that the public would respect and appreciate,” he stated. He clarified that his first speech focused on development, the role of businesses, peace, and unity, while the second largely addressed communal harmony and the collective effort needed for development and progress. “My mantra is growth, which has been encompassed in my 16 years of politics. I believe in inclusive growth and development. I also believe in national security and national interest,” Tharoor concluded.
The Congress leader’s remarks come at a time when political discourse in India often sees sharp divisions, even on matters of national importance. Tharoor has previously been the subject of internal party criticism for certain stances, including his appreciation for government initiatives or his willingness to engage with leaders from other political spectrums. His current statements reinforce his long-held belief in prioritizing national interest above narrow party politics.
