Tharoor's Question Is Genuinely Valid

'Where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise'

- DR VIJAY DARDA

Is 68-year-old Shashi Tharoor, who reigns in the hearts of the youths, rebelling against the Congress these days? I don't think so at all. He is a good friend of mine, and I know his nature very closely. Shashi Tharoor is a highly outspoken person who never hesitates in speaking the truth. His personality is so impressive that any political party would want to have him on its side—he is popular across party lines.

Despite this, if he remains with Congress, it is because of his deep understanding of the party's core principles. Speaking the truth can never be considered a rebellion! When Shashi Tharoor contested for the post of Congress president, his aim was to attract the youths and infuse new energy and vigour into the party. Many people still believe that if Tharoor had become the president of the party, Congress' position would have been entirely different. We are all well aware of Tharoor's multifaceted personality—he stands out in a crowd. Yet, if he feels that the party is not making proper use of his abilities and that he has been sidelined after contesting the party president's post, this is a great loss for the Congress itself. I have no hesitation in saying that Congress currently lacks a leader of Tharoor's stature. He understands not only the pulse of the country but is also not aloof to that of the world.