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Shashi Tharoor has backed senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, stressing the need for discipline and organisational strengthening amid controversy over RSS remarks.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor | File Image
Amid the political row following Congress senior leader Digvijaya Singh praising RSS’ organisational model, Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor came out in support of Digvijaya Singh. Tharoor said discipline within party is important and the Congress, having a long history, has a lot 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,” Tharoor said.
He added that strengthening the organisation should be a shared goal. “Even I want our organisation to strengthen. There should be discipline in our organisation. Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself,” he said.
Tharoor’s call for Congress’ organisational strength
Tharoor also backed Singh’s broader argument about the need for reforms within the Congress. He said the party must focus on improving internal discipline and organisational strength to face political challenges more effectively.
Asked whether he had spoken to Singh after the controversy, Tharoor said that 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.
Digvijaya Singh triggered a political controversy on Saturday after praising the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He shared a 1995 photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting on the ground near then BJP president LK Advani and said the Congress could learn from how the RSS and BJP allow grassroots workers to rise to top positions.
Though Singh later clarified that he remains a strong opponent of the RSS and the BJP, the post drew sharp reactions within and outside the party. The controversy also brought renewed focus on his recent call for internal reforms and decentralisation of power within the Congress.
Singh’s remarks have sparked debate within the Congress at a time when the party is reassessing its structure and leadership approach. While opinions differ on his comments about the RSS, senior leaders like Tharoor have stressed that internal reform and discipline remain essential for the party’s future.
Delhi, India, India
December 28, 2025, 11:43 IST
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