**Strengthening Congress: Tharoor Backs Digvijaya Singh Amid Controversy**
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the necessity of fortifying the party’s organization while expressing support for senior leader Digvijaya Singh, who recently stirred controversy with his comments praising the organizational capabilities of the RSS and BJP. During the 140th Congress Foundation Day celebrations, Tharoor addressed inquiries regarding his discussions with Singh, stating, “We are friends, and having a conversation is natural. The organization must be strengthened – there is no question about it.”
Tharoor highlighted the significance of the day for the Congress party, remarking, “It is a very important day for the party. It is a day when we look back at our remarkable history and the contribution of Congress.” His remarks followed Singh’s social media post featuring a nostalgic photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the 1990s, in which Singh acknowledged the organizational strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This post was perceived by many as a direct message to Congress leadership, particularly as it coincided with a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
In the photograph, a young Modi is depicted sitting on the floor as a karyakarta, while BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani occupies a chair. Singh described the image as “impactful,” noting it was taken at an event in Gujarat. The post ignited political reactions both within and outside the Congress, renewing discussions about the party’s organizational strength on its foundation day. However, Singh later clarified that his comments were solely about the organization and not an endorsement of the BJP or RSS, as he remains firmly opposed to both.
The BJP quickly seized upon Singh’s remarks, interpreting them as an act of “open dissent” against Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan challenged Gandhi to respond to what he termed a “shocking ‘truth bomb'” dropped by Singh, which he claimed exposed the dictatorial nature of Congress leadership.
In conclusion, the ongoing dialogue within the Congress party regarding its organizational strength and leadership dynamics continues to unfold, particularly in light of recent comments from key figures like Digvijaya Singh and Shashi Tharoor.
**FAQ**
**What did Shashi Tharoor say about strengthening the Congress party?**
Shashi Tharoor stressed the importance of strengthening the Congress organization and supported Digvijaya Singh’s right to express his views, emphasizing the need for internal discussions about the party’s structure and history.