During an Idea Exchange, Shashi Tharoor suggests that for the Congress party to restore its reputation at a national level, it must communicate with other opposition parties

Shashi Tharoor:-

Shashi Tharoor discusses BJP's overreach in Rahul Gandhi's case and the opportunity it created for united opposition

During an Idea Exchange moderated by Deputy Political Editor Liz Mathew, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor discussed the recent political developments surrounding Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case and subsequent disqualification From Parliament. Tharoor stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have overreached in their efforts, resulting in unintended consequences. Firstly, there has been a strong reaction from the Opposition, with many regional parties coming forward to support Congress and Rahul Gandhi. This includes surprising support from the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, whose party stated that they are defending democracy and preventing the misuse of autonomous institutions. This support is seen by Congress as an opportunity to create a united resistance against the BJP. Secondly, Tharoor noted that public sympathy is growing for Rahul Gandhi, with many people, including those who voted for the BJP, questioning whether it is good for democracy to silence the principal leader of a major Opposition party.

"Tharoor's leadership shines after the presidential election, calls for united opposition against BJP"

Tharoor's standing as a leader within and outside Congress has risen significantly after his strong performance in the party's presidential election against Mallikarjun Kharge. Tharoor believes that to restore its national image, Congress must communicate and collaborate with other opposition parties. The session with Mathew highlighted Tharoor's opinion that the BJP May have made a mistake in handling Rahul Gandhi's case, resulting in unintended consequences that have created an opportunity for Congress and other opposition parties to come together and defend democracy.