NEW DELHI, Dec 28— Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday supported the need to strengthen the party’s organisation, aligning himself with remarks made by Digvijaya Singh that drew attention for praising the BJP-RSS cadre structure.
Tharoor’s comments came a day after Singh lauded the organisational depth of the RSS and BJP, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rise from a grassroots worker to the country’s top political post.
Asked about the controversy on the sidelines of the Congress’ 140th foundation day celebrations, Tharoor said organisational rebuilding was essential.
“The organisation should be strengthened. There is no doubt about that,” he said.
Singh had said the Congress needed a stronger grassroots presence to effectively challenge the BJP and dislodge it from power, remarks that triggered sharp reactions within political circles.
Tharoor, who shared the stage with Singh at the event held at the party’s Indira Bhawan headquarters, dismissed suggestions of any tension between the two leaders.
“We keep talking with each other,” Tharoor said. “We are friends.”
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Tharoor described the foundation day as a moment of introspection for the party.
“It is a very important day in which we look back on our long history and the role the Congress has played in the nation’s journey,” he said.
Later, in a social media post, Tharoor said the Indian National Congress had remained a pillar of India’s democratic and political evolution since its first session in 1885, adding that the anniversary was marked with “solemnity and camaraderie” at the party headquarters.
