Shashi Tharoor's Critique of Dynastic Politics Gains BJP's Support

Shashi Tharoor's recent article critiquing dynastic politics in India has garnered unexpected support from BJP leaders. His insights into the challenges posed by family-based political structures have sparked discussions about the implications for democracy. Tharoor's observations, particularly regarding the Nehru-Gandhi family's influence, have led to a mix of praise and potential backlash from within the Congress party. As political dynamics shift, the reactions to Tharoor's commentary reveal the complexities of India's political landscape. This article explores the responses from various political figures and the broader implications for Indian democracy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2025, 13:22 IST

BJP Leaders Praise Tharoor's Insights on Dynastic Politics

In India, the discourse surrounding dynastic politics has gained traction, particularly following a recent article by senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. His views have received notable acclaim from various leaders within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who echo his sentiment that dynastic politics poses a significant threat to the democratic fabric of the nation. Tharoor's article, titled 'Indian Politics is a Family Business,' delves into the prevalence of family-based political structures in India, explicitly mentioning parties such as the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and National Conference.

BJP's Response to Tharoor's Article

Following the publication of Tharoor's piece, BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla referred to the Congress MP as a 'player of risks' for directly labeling Rahul Gandhi as a symbol of nepotism. Poonawalla characterized the article as 'practical' and highlighted how Tharoor pointed out the Gandhi family's role in perpetuating the notion that political positions and power are hereditary rights. He suggested that both Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi might take Tharoor's comments personally. While Tharoor deserves recognition for his insights, he may also face backlash from Kerala Congress and other political figures.

Additionally, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan described Tharoor's article as a 'truth bomb,' asserting that the Nehru-Gandhi family has undemocratically seized the leadership rights within the party. He emphasized that after Tharoor's indirect critique of the Nehru-Gandhi family's dominance, Rahul Gandhi should respond to this 'truth bomb.' Kesavan further noted that Tharoor appears to be suffocating under the weight of the Congress party's dynastic influence.