Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has issued a pointed response to senior party colleague Digvijaya Singh's recent comments praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Tharoor asserted that while Singh is entitled to his personal views, the Congress party's primary focus must be on fortifying its own organisation through strict discipline and grassroots work, rather than looking outward for lessons.
Tharoor's Call for Internal Focus and Discipline
The remarks from Tharoor came on December 28, 2025, following Singh's unexpected appreciation for certain aspects of the RSS, the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Tharoor clarified that Singh's statements represent his individual opinion. "He can speak for himself," Tharoor noted, before pivoting to the core issue facing the party. He underscored that the immediate task for the Indian National Congress is to concentrate on strengthening its own organisational structure from the ground up.
Central to this revival, according to Tharoor, is the cultivation of robust internal discipline. He highlighted the ongoing efforts spearheaded by former party president Rahul Gandhi, who is actively engaged in a mission to rebuild and reinforce the party apparatus from the grassroots level. This internal focus is seen as a critical strategy as the party gears up for a series of upcoming electoral and political challenges.
Context of Digvijaya Singh's Comments
Digvijaya Singh's original comments, which sparked this internal discussion, had two key components. Firstly, he made observations praising the dedication and organisational discipline of the RSS, comments that raised eyebrows within the political spectrum given the historical rivalry between the Congress and the Sangh Parivar. Secondly, and perhaps more in line with typical party rhetoric, Singh had also condemned attempts by the BJP to create and exploit perceived discord within the Nehru-Gandhi family, a longstanding political dynasty central to the Congress's identity.
The Underlying Message: Unity and Self-Reliance
The exchange between the two senior Congress leaders, though nuanced, points towards a larger conversation within the party. The overarching theme that emerges is a dual emphasis on maintaining party unity against external political tactics and an urgent push for organisational development. Tharoor's response subtly redirects the narrative from external comparisons to internal rectification.
By invoking Rahul Gandhi's grassroots initiatives and the non-negotiable need for discipline, Tharoor is framing the party's path forward as one of self-reliance and introspection. The episode underscores the delicate balance the Congress seeks as it attempts to consolidate its position, address internal viewpoints, and present a cohesive front to counter the BJP in the evolving political landscape of India.
