Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor presented a nuanced perspective on India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on Thursday. Speaking at a literary event, he balanced deep admiration for Nehru's foundational role with a candid acknowledgment of his errors.
A Balanced View on Nehru's Legacy
Addressing the audience at the fourth Kerala Legislative Assembly International Book Festival (KLIBF), Tharoor articulated a position of respectful criticism. He described himself as a fan of Nehru, but "not an uncritical fan." He expressed great admiration for Nehru's intellect and vision, crediting him above all for firmly establishing democratic traditions in India.
However, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram clarified that he does not agree with all of Nehru's beliefs and policies. He stated that it is necessary to recognize the mistakes made by the country's inaugural prime minister. At the same time, Tharoor strongly argued that holding Nehru solely responsible for all of India's contemporary problems is unjustified.
Critique of the BJP's 'Anti-Nehru' Stance
Tharoor directly addressed the current ruling party's approach to Nehru's legacy. He remarked that while he would not label the Modi government as anti-democratic, he believes it is decidedly "anti-Nehru." According to Tharoor, Nehru has been turned into a "convenient scapegoat" for the present administration.
He provided a specific example where criticism might have merit, referencing the 1962 India-China war. Tharoor conceded that some of Nehru's decisions contributed to the military defeat in that conflict. Yet, he swiftly pivoted to his core argument: "But what they do now is blame Nehru for everything, regardless of the issue." This blanket blame, he implied, overlooks historical context and complexity.
Tharoor's Literary Journey and Reading Culture
Shifting from political commentary, Tharoor reflected on his personal journey as an author and the state of reading. He shared that childhood asthma and a lack of television or mobile phones made books his constant companions. He revealed a lost first novel from his youth, destroyed by an ink spill, and noted that his recent biography of Sree Narayana Guru is his 28th published book.
He expressed concern over declining reading habits globally but praised Kerala for leading in reading culture. Recalling his satirical novel "The Great Indian Novel" from 1989, he noted it introduced a genre then rare in India. For time-pressed modern readers, especially youth, he suggested shorter books could be more appealing. The session concluded with a fond memory from his days at St Stephen's College, Delhi, where he acted opposite filmmaker Mira Nair in a play.
Tharoor's remarks continue to highlight his independent streak within the Congress party, often setting him apart from colleagues who adhere strictly to the party line. His ability to offer calibrated praise and criticism provides a distinct voice in India's political discourse.
