Shashi Tharoor’s Support Highlights Growing Bond with Rahul Gandhi

The recent events in the Lok Sabha have spotlighted the growing bond between Shashi Tharoor and Rahul Gandhi. On a pivotal Monday, the session took a dramatic turn when Rahul Gandhi raised questions regarding the 2020 India-China military stand-off.

Parliamentary Confrontation

Gandhi attempted to cite an article from a magazine about General MM Naravane’s upcoming memoir. His aim was to shed light on decisions made during the Ladakh crisis. However, this led to a heated backlash from the government benches.

Government’s Reaction

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Minister Kiren Rijiju protested Gandhi’s use of the unpublished memoir.
• They argued that referencing unpublished material was inappropriate and misleading.

Gandhi faced interruptions as he tried to continue his speech, holding the magazine article that highlighted the government’s decisions during the standoff. Despite the government’s pushback, opposition members insisted that the information was already public knowledge due to the magazine article’s existence.

Shashi Tharoor’s Defense

In a notable response, Shashi Tharoor defended Rahul Gandhi’s right to speak. He stated that the government’s reaction was excessive and prevented essential discussions in Parliament. Tharoor emphasized that Gandhi based his comments on publicly available information.

• He urged that parliamentary discourse should allow for the airing of facts.
• Tharoor remarked on the importance of debate during national security crises, recalling historical instances during Nehru’s leadership.

“The best answer to any inaccuracies is to clarify the facts,” Tharoor asserted, highlighting the need for open discussion in the parliamentary arena.

A Closed-Door Meeting

Following the adjournment, key opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, gathered in Rahul Gandhi’s office. Tharoor’s participation in this meeting indicated a possible shift in his relationship with Rahul Gandhi.

Significance of the Meeting

The meeting lasted about 40 minutes, marking Tharoor’s first inclusive discussion with Gandhi in recent times. There are indications within Congress that the tensions between Tharoor and Gandhi might be easing. This public show of solidarity suggests a new chapter in their alliance, especially given the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala.

In conclusion, Tharoor’s vocal support for Gandhi and cooperation during this critical moment in Parliament reflect an evolving political dynamic within Congress. The recent events underscore the significance of collaboration and open discourse in addressing pressing national issues.