In a notable development, the BJP has voiced support for Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s recent remarks on the importance of post-election cooperation, inspired by a meeting between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani. Tharoor articulated that after fervent electoral campaigns, political adversaries should collaborate for the nation’s welfare. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla endorsed this view, while simultaneously posing a question to Rahul Gandhi about whether the Congress party would embrace democratic principles and move beyond being ‘sore losers’.
Speaking from Thiruvanthapuram, Tharoor shared his thoughts on X, writing, “This is how democracy should work. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it’s over, & the people have spoken, learn to cooperate with each other in the common interests of the nation you are both pledged to serve. I would love to see more of this in India — and am trying to do my part.” The Congress leader’s comments followed the White House meeting where Trump and Mamdani showcased a conciliatory stance despite their prior contentious exchanges.
Poonawalla took to X to comment, “Once again Shashi Tharoor reminds Congress to put India First not Parivar. But will Rahul Gandhi get the message? One more Fatwa loading against Shashi???” His statement suggests a potential internal conflict within the Congress, highlighting Tharoor’s perceived divergence from the party line and indirectly challenging Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. This comes after Tharoor’s earlier independent praise for BJP leader L.K. Advani, which the Congress leadership had to publicly distance themselves from. The core of Tharoor’s message was the necessity of constructive engagement post-elections, exemplified by the interaction between Trump and Mamdani.