Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 28: Amid the political controversy sparked by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s remarks praising the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday came out in Singh’s support, underlining the need for discipline and internal reforms within the Congress.
Tharoor said discipline was essential for any political party and asserted that the Congress, with its 140-year history, had much to learn from its own past. “We have a history of 140 years, and we can learn a lot from it. We can learn from ourselves, too. Discipline is very important in any party,” he said.
Emphasising organisational strengthening as a shared objective, Tharoor added, “Even I want our organisation to strengthen. There should be discipline in our organisation. Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself.” He said the Congress must focus on improving internal discipline and organisational strength to face political challenges more effectively.
On whether he had spoken to Singh after the controversy erupted, Tharoor said conversations between them were natural. “We are friends, and having a conversation is natural. The organisation must be strengthened, there is no question about it,” he said.
Singh had triggered the row on Saturday by sharing a 1995 photograph showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated on the floor near senior BJP leader L K Advani. In his post, Singh described the image as reflecting how grassroots workers in the RSS and BJP could rise to top positions, calling it the “power of organisation”. Though he later clarified that he remained a strong opponent of the RSS and the BJP, the remarks drew sharp reactions within the Congress.
Congress Media and Publicity Department chairman Pawan Khera took a strong stand against Singh’s comments, saying there was “nothing to learn from the RSS”. Drawing a sharp contrast, Khera linked the RSS to Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. “What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?” he said.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot also reacted on Sunday, asserting that the party remains united despite differing opinions. Speaking to the media, the former Rajasthan deputy chief minister dismissed speculation of an ideological rift within the Congress. “Congress party is united. The country needs a strong opposition. Our intention is to strengthen the organisation. In our party, we have the right to speak about our thoughts,” Pilot said.
He added that while Digvijaya Singh expressed his views and later issued a clarification, the common goal of all Congress leaders was to strengthen the party leadership. “All the Congress leaders have only one goal to strengthen Kharge and Rahul ji,” Pilot said.