M.M. Hassan Slams Shashi Tharoor for ‘Reckless’ Criticism and Praising Advani Over Nehru
Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader M.M. Hassan has launched a scathing attack on MP Shashi Tharoor, accusing him of acting “recklessly” and demanding his resignation from the Congress Working Committee. Hassan’s criticism comes in the wake of Tharoor’s recent article and comments where he seemingly disparaged the Nehru family while praising BJP veteran L.K. Advani.
Hassan vehemently stated that Tharoor entered politics purely through the benevolence of the Nehru family. He expressed his strong resentment over Tharoor’s actions, questioning why Tharoor chose to demean Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in an attempt to laud L.K. Advani. “Is the Nehru family like any other family? Did Indira, Sonia, and Rahul ascend to leadership merely because they belonged to the Gandhi family?” Hassan questioned, highlighting the perceived double standards in Tharoor’s remarks.
The Congress leader further alleged that Tharoor has not contributed significantly to the welfare of the people, asserting that his criticisms are baseless and disregard fundamental facts. Hassan reiterated that Tharoor’s actions are indeed akin to “rubbing oil on a bald head” (a Malayalam idiom implying acting obliviously or without proper consideration of one’s background and affiliations).
The controversy stems from an article penned by Shashi Tharoor for a daily newspaper, titled “Dynasty Rule is a Threat to Indian Democracy.” In the article, Tharoor explicitly criticized political dynasticism, including the Nehru family by name. He advocated for merit-based leadership over hereditary succession, stating that the influence of the Nehru-Gandhi family — comprising Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra — had established the idea that political leadership is a birthright, an notion that has since permeated all political parties in India. Tharoor’s subsequent praise for L.K. Advani further intensified the backlash, setting the stage for M.M. Hassan’s sharp rebuke.