Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Applauds Government's Tribute to Chakravarti Rajagopalachari
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday publicly praised the government's decision to unveil a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, describing it as a significant step in honoring India's historical legacy.
Tharoor's Social Media Endorsement
In a detailed social media post on X, the Thiruvananthapuram MP revealed his personal connection to Rajagopalachari's political philosophy, stating he was a "strong supporter" of his Swatantra Party during his student days. Tharoor wrote, "I'm truly pleased to see Rajaji honoured by a statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was its first Indian occupant as the only Indian Governor-General of India, before we became a Republic and he yielded his seat to the new President."
Principles and Values Alignment
Tharoor elaborated on his admiration for Rajagopalachari's enduring principles, which he said continue to resonate with him today. "I have long admired his convictions. His set of values and principles — liberal economics and support for free enterprise, combined with social justice; strong anchoring in Indian civilization and religious faith but without a shred of communal bigotry; and a staunch faith in the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, including keeping the government out of our kitchens, bedrooms and libraries — remain mine to this day," he added. Tharoor expressed regret that few contemporary figures follow this path.
Historical Context of the Installation
Earlier on Monday, the Centre replaced a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan with a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, who served as the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India. The ceremony featured a musical rendition of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, adding cultural significance to the event.
Dignitaries Present and Political Reactions
The installation ceremony was attended by numerous high-profile dignitaries, including:
- Vice President CP Radhakrishnan
- Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
- Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
- Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan
- Members of Rajagopalachari's family
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message read by Shekhawat, characterized the replacement as an act of "mental decolonisation." In a separate post on X, PM Modi hailed the move as a commendable effort to honor figures who shaped India's destiny and eliminate colonial mindset remnants. He described Rajaji as a "towering scholar, freedom fighter, thinker and administrator" whose life embodied integrity, intellect, and unwavering national commitment.
Broader Implications and National Discourse
This event highlights ongoing national conversations about historical representation and colonial legacy in India. The bipartisan appreciation from figures like Tharoor and Modi underscores the cross-political recognition of Rajagopalachari's contributions to India's freedom struggle and administrative framework. The installation serves as a symbolic gesture toward reclaiming and celebrating indigenous leadership in post-colonial India.
