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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has stirred debate once again, this time for defending former Deputy Prime Minister and BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani’s political legacy. Tharoor said Advani’s decades of public service should not be judged by a single controversial incident. “Reducing his long years of service to one episode, however significant, is unfair. Just as Nehruji's career cannot be defined solely by the China setback, nor Indira Gandhi’s only by the Emergency, the same fairness should be shown to Advaniji,” Tharoor wrote on X. His remarks came shortly after he extended birthday wishes to Advani, one of the BJP’s founding members, who turned 98 on Friday. In his post, Tharoor praised the senior leader’s contribution to Indian politics. “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,” he wrote. The Congress MP’s comments quickly triggered criticism online, with many accusing him of attempting to “whitewash” Advani’s role in divisive politics. Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde was among those who took issue with Tharoor’s remarks, writing on X, “Unleashing the 'dragon seeds of hatred' in this country is NOT public service.” A brief exchange followed between Tharoor and Hegde, with the latter strongly rejecting the comparison between Advani and former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. “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 its legacy of violence continue to haunt the destiny of this country. From his current bed of arrows, he has not preached any Rajdharma either,” Hegde replied. Advani’s 1990 Rath Yatra, which began in Somnath and was stopped in Bihar by then Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, is widely regarded as a prelude to the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 — an event that reshaped Indian politics for decades to come. Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani’s joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14. Beginning his career in journalism as an assistant editor with the weekly Organiser, Advani soon transitioned into politics, becoming one of India’s most influential political thinkers and leaders. For the Latest news, India News, Bihar Election 2025 updates and breaking stories from around the world, visit Times Now for live coverage and in-depth reporting.
