25

Nov

Tharoor’s ‘US Civility’ Remark Invites Sharp Criticism

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A close-up of a person with glasses AI-generated content may be incorrect.Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has triggered yet another political storm — this time by urging Indian politicians to learn from what he described as the “civility” of American democracy. His remark, inspired by a surprisingly warm post-election meeting between US President Donald Trump and New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani after a bitter campaign, has drawn criticism at home and revived questions about Tharoor’s political instincts.

On November 22, Tharoor posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Indian leaders should emulate the Trump–Mamdani moment, where two political adversaries met cordially at the White House despite months of acrimonious rhetoric.

“This is how democracy should work,” Tharoor wrote. “Fight passionately in elections, but once it’s over and the people have spoken, learn to cooperate… I would love to see more of this in India — and am trying to do my part.”

Critics, however, argue that Tharoor’s comparison glosses over the stark differences between the American and Indian democratic environments — and in doing so, ironically highlights the deepening democratic deficit within India.

The meeting that inspired Tharoor caught global attention. Trump, who had previously called Mamdani a “lunatic”, “communist”, and “despot”, unexpectedly praised him after their Oval Office interaction on November 21.

“I met a very rational man who wants to see New York be great again,” Trump said. “He ran an incredible race… and I congratulated him.”

Mamdani described the meeting as “productive”, focused on issues like affordability and housing. A lighter moment arrived when a reporter asked Mamdani whether he still believed Trump was a “fascist”. Before Mamdani could respond, Trump quipped, “Just say yes, OK? It’s easier.” Mamdani obliged with a simple “Yes”, prompting laughter around the room.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sparked a political debate after praising the “civility” shown in a post-election meeting between US President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Tharoor urged Indian politicians to emulate such cordiality, but his comments drew sharp criticism at home.
Wednesday Wisdom
By Satish Misra
Critics argue that Tharoor is ignoring India’s current democratic challenges, including concerns over institutional independence, media freedom, and political hostility. Some accuse him of often admiring BJP leaders more than his own party, fuelling speculation about his political intentions. They contend that civility cannot exist without a strong democratic framework, which they believe has weakened in India. Tharoor, however, insists he is promoting healthier political conduct, though many remain unconvinced.

It was precisely this display of post-election cordiality that Tharoor celebrated — but the reaction at home has been far from warm.

Former IIMC professor Pradeep Mathur argues that Tharoor’s advice reveals a “wilful blindness” to India’s political climate.

“Elections are hard fought everywhere,” Mathur noted. “But Tharoor must answer whether elections in India today are truly free and fair or compromised by institutions like the Election Commission. He seems oblivious to ground realities while giving moral sermons.”

Others point to what they see as Tharoor’s habit of praising the RSS-BJP leadership more than his own party. His enthusiastic endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ramnath Goenka Lecture — which he described as both an economic roadmap and cultural call to action — unsettled many within the Congress. Earlier, Tharoor drew attention for lauding BJP veteran L. K. Advani on his birthday.

Yet the Congress high command has taken no disciplinary action, a fact that continues to puzzle many within the party.

Opponents argue that Tharoor’s appeal for civility overlooks structural problems afflicting Indian democracy.

“How civil is the Prime Minister when referring to the Leader of the Opposition?” a senior Congress leader asked privately. “Has Tharoor forgotten the language used against Rahul Gandhi or Sonia Gandhi?”

Tharoor himself is no stranger to controversy. His 2009 “cattle class” tweet — meant as humour but widely viewed as elitist — continues to shadow him.

More importantly, critics argue that comparing the US and India ignores the institutional differences that enable civility. In the United States, agencies retain relative autonomy; federalism functions; and political vendetta does not routinely drive law-enforcement action. They ask whether the same can be said of India since 2014.

Has the independence of the Election Commission, CBI, ED, or the office of the governor remained intact? Are media freedoms robust? Are federal principles respected? Tharoor’s silence on these questions, critics say, is more revealing than his praise for American civility.

At 69, after a distinguished career as a UN diplomat, Union minister, author, and three-term MP, one might expect Tharoor to be settled in his political trajectory. Yet his periodic criticism of the Congress leadership has fuelled speculation about his motives.

Some party insiders believe Tharoor may be provoking disciplinary action, which would allow him to exit Congress while retaining his parliamentary seat — or position himself advantageously for a future shift to the BJP.

His critics argue that his recent public positions align neatly with the ruling party’s narrative. Their argument is simple: if Tharoor is so at odds with Congress leadership, why not resign and seek a fresh mandate?

What Tharoor appears to overlook, many contend, is that civility is not an isolated virtue. It is a by-product of institutional strength, democratic legitimacy, and political fairness. Without these foundations, post-poll civility is reduced to political performance.

To compare the US and India on this parameter, critics say, is like “comparing apples with oranges”.

Tharoor insists he is “doing his part” to encourage civility. But for many, his words ring hollow against what they describe as the Modi government’s continued centralisation of power and erosion of the very “Idea of India” that Tharoor once championed.

Ultimately, the controversy poses a larger question: Can political civility have meaning if the democratic framework itself is under strain?

Tharoor seems to believe the answer is yes — but his critics remain unconvinced.

(Dr Satish Misra is a senior journalist and seasoned political analyst. He has been a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.)

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