Is the bird transforming into a parrot?
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Synopsis
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's recent column on the Emergency era has sparked controversy within his party. His candid critique of power abuse during 1975 is met with mixed reactions, revealing deep divisions in Congress. Can a party remain united amidst such stark criticisms?
Key Takeaways
- Tharoor's critique of the Emergency era highlights power abuses.
- Tagore's response indicates internal conflicts within Congress.
- Historical accountability is crucial for democratic integrity.
- Growing rifts may impact the party's future cohesion.
- Political mimicry raises concerns about authenticity.
New Delhi, July 10 (NationPress) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s article on the Emergency, highlighting the overt misuse of authority by the previous regime in 1975, has drawn feedback from the venerable party as anticipated.
Fellow Congress member Manickam Tagore noted Tharoor’s candid recognition and critique of the ‘dark era’ under the Congress leadership, delivering a subtle jab by stating, ‘mimicry may be charming in birds but not in politics,’ a sharp comment reflecting the ongoing tension between the two MPs.
With a sarcastic undertone aimed at the Thiruvananthapuram MP, Tagore posted on X, “When a colleague starts echoing BJP statements verbatim, you start to wonder — is the bird becoming a parrot? Mimicry is delightful in birds, but not in politics.”
Tharoor’s op-ed discussing the ‘murder of democracy’ and ‘unspeakable atrocities’ during the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975 has, for the time being, elicited a subdued backlash from the grand old party, although it is expected to intensify, further straining the already delicate relationship between him and the party.
In his op-ed published in a prominent daily on Thursday, Shashi Tharoor underscored how the Emergency unveiled the ‘fragility and frailty’ of institutions, even in a strong democracy like India.
“The lively cacophony of Indian public life, so accustomed to spirited discussions and free expression, had been replaced by an unsettling silence. This reminds us that a government can lose its moral direction and sense of accountability to the populace it claims to serve,” he articulated in the article.
It is significant to mention that the two Congress lawmakers - Tharoor and Tagore had a heated exchange on social media previously regarding the ‘free bird’ metaphor. Tharoor remarked on ‘birds not asking for permission to fly,’ to which Tagore had responded with a metaphorical caution that ‘vultures and eagles are present in the sky to target the free bird.’
It is important to acknowledge the growing discomfort within the Congress party regarding Tharoor’s actions and statements, often leading the party to feel embarrassed and necessitating it to ‘dissociate and distance’ itself from him on several occasions.
This latest instance of Tharoor criticizing the enforcement of Emergency by the Indira Gandhi-led Congress administration has further heightened the rifts and unease within the party.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the complex dynamics within the Congress party. Tharoor's criticism of the Emergency raises valid concerns about historical accountability, yet it also exacerbates internal divisions. The party must navigate these tensions carefully to maintain its credibility and unity moving forward.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Tharoor's column on the Emergency?
Tharoor's column emphasizes the importance of historical reflection on the Emergency era, highlighting issues of power abuse that continue to resonate in contemporary politics.
How did Tagore respond to Tharoor's comments?
Tagore made a biting remark on social media, suggesting that Tharoor's alignment with BJP rhetoric was akin to a bird becoming a parrot, indicating concerns about political mimicry.
What are the implications of this controversy for Congress?
This controversy underscores growing rifts within Congress, posing challenges for party unity and potentially impacting its public perception ahead of future elections.
