Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended the policy legacy of former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, asserting that just as former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru cannot be judged solely by the "China setback" or Indira Gandhi's career by the Emergency alone, the same fairness should be extended to one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is also unfair. The totality of Nehruji's career cannot be judged by the China setback, nor Indira Gandhi's by the Emergency alone. I believe we should extend the same courtesy to Advaniji," Tharoor wrote on X.
The Congress MP made these remarks while wishing the former Deputy Prime Minister on his 98th birth anniversary on November 8, praising Advani's "unwavering commitment to public service, modesty, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India."
"Wishing the venerable Shri L.K. Advani a very happy 98th birthday! His unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India are indelible. A true statesman whose life of service has been exemplary," Tharoor wrote on X.
Tharoor's birthday wishes, however, drew objections from some users who accused the Congress MP of whitewashing the BJP leader's history. Supreme Court Advocate Sanjay Hedge criticised Tharoor, stating that Advani "unleashing the dragon seeds of hatred" could not be described as "public service," referring to the Ram Rath Yatra of 1990."
Sorry Mr Tharoor, unleashing the "dragon seeds of hatred" (to quote Kushwant Singh) in this country is NOT public service," his post read.
The exchange sparked a broader discussion, with Tharoor continuing to defend Advani's overall legacy while drawing parallels to the legacies of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
In response, the SC advocate wrote under Tharoor's post: "The Rath Yatra was not an episode. It was a long march to reverse the foundational principles of the Indian Republic. It set the stage for 2002 and 2014 and thereafter. Like Draupadi's dishonour set the stage for the Mahabharata that followed, the Rathyatra and it's legacy of violence continue to haunt the destiny of this country.
"Earlier on November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bharat Ratna recipient Advani at his residence in New Delhi to personally convey birthday greetings and good wishes.
The Prime Minister described Advani as a leader blessed with a towering vision and intellect, emphasising that his life has been dedicated to strengthening India's progress. PM Modi prayed for Advani's long life and health, highlighting his spirit of selfless duty and steadfast principles.
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"Greetings to Shri LK Advani Ji on his birthday. A statesman blessed with towering vision and intellect, Advani Ji's life has been dedicated to strengthening India's progress. He has always embodied the spirit of selfless duty and steadfast principles. His contributions have left an indelible mark on India's democratic and cultural landscape. May he be blessed with good health and a long life," PM Modi wrote on 'X'.
The online debate centred on Advani's "Ram Rath Yatra," which was organised from Somnath in Gujarat on September 25, 1990, and culminated on October 30, 1990. The procession aimed to mobilise support for the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The Rath Yatra proved highly controversial and was halted in Bihar by then Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, resulting in Advani's arrest on the orders of then Prime Minister V.P. Singh.
On December 6, 1992, two years after the yatra, the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished. Subsequently, on January 22, 2024, the Ram Mandir was officially opened to the public after Prime Minister Modi performed the pran pratishtha ceremony.
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