New Delhi – Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has sparked another political controversy as he commented on the presence of dynastic politics. Tharoor, speaking at a public event in Delhi, had said that “political leadership can be a birthright too, when people vote repeatedly for that kind of leadership.” While he gave the statement with a democratic tone, the comment is viewed as a thinly veiled jab at the Gandhi family’s long-term control over Congress. The timing of his statement has made it the subject of discussion as Congress is approaching very important state elections going into 2026.
Tharoor said that while dynasty should not be the only criterion in politics, the people’s own willingness to elect and re-elect leaders ultimately grants the dynasty bodies legitimacy. This reasoning has proven controversial and impacted opinions within the political party.
In-house Reaction: Calm Above, Tension Below
While many of Congress’s senior leaders have attempted to downplay his commentary, senior insiders confided that it has renewed internal agitation. A Congress spokesperson was reported saying, “Dr Tharoor’s comments are his personal opinions. Our party believes in both dynasty and merit.”
Reactions within Congress would have been more downright contrasted had not the large number of party members lashed out, saying “Tharoor’s comments are aligned with how simple some of us feel – we are looking for more internal democracy, and advancement possibilities based upon merit.”
Forces in opposition, especially the BJP, moved quickly to cast aspersions on Congress. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla tweeted, “Congress does not believe in democracy, but it believes in dynasty. Now even senior leaders are saying this openly.”
Tharoor’s Independent Voice, Political Intent
This is not the first occasion Shashi Tharoor has diverged from party lines. The Thiruvananthapuram MP ran for the Congress presidency in 2022 against Mallikarjun Kharge, clearly signalling he wanted a change.
A public intellectual and independent thinker, Tharoor captures some of the essence of a Congress faction hoping to modernise and deliver accountability. Political observers believe Tharoor’s “birthright” comment was less criticism and more a way of inspiring contemplation about how the party can remain relevant in a complex and ever-changing political backdrop.
A Test of Leadership Ahead of 2026
This incident comes at a time when Congress is attempting to up its national profile, as Democrats construct a narrative leading to the 2026 General Elections.
Tharoor’s statement has once again initiated a conversation about the need for leadership transition, accountability and transparency, and the balance of legacy versus merit. I don’t know if that will lead to reform internally or additional controversies, but we do know one thing for certain — the discussion regarding dynastic politics in Congress is far from over.
