Congress party and its Tharoor dilemma

IF SHASHI HAS HAD ONLY A MINIMAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THE PARTY, WHETHER IN OR OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT, IS THAT BECAUSE THE CONGRESS IS WARY OF UTILISING HIS TALENTS AND SKILLS BECAUSE IT IS UNACCUSTOMED TO SUCH QUALITIES?

- Karan Thapar

What makes the apparent rift between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress leadership interesting is what it reveals about both sides. They are very different to each other, though they haven't accepted and admitted it. Perhaps that's the core of the problem.

Shashi is not a conventional politician. He does not operate in cabals and coteries. Instead, he relies on his talent and skills. This means he is open, ambitious and in search of recognition. Understandably, he wants to attract attention to himself. It is his way of moving forward. And he has been very successful at it. His fan following on Twitter and his recognisability are testimony to that.

The Congress leadership, at least since the time of Indira Gandhi, has flourished through sycophancy. They are followers. Their leaders are the Gandhis and they have dedicated their careers to service. They have learnt not to shine brighter than Rahul, not to contradict Sonia and, now, to promote Priyanka. And to legitimise this family worship, they have convinced themselves that the Congress cannot survive without the Gandhi family.