Politics has always been a curious theatre where loyalty is applauded in speeches but often abandoned in practice. Few episodes illustrate this better than the recent conduct of Shashi Tharoor. He did not waste a moment before joining an opposition delegation invited by the ruling party to tell the world that India had emerged victorious in its confrontation with Pakistan. Nor did he hesitate before attending a dinner hosted for Vladimir Putin, even though Rahul Gandhi and the Congress president were pointedly not invited.
Each act, taken in isolation, can be defended with clever reasoning. Tharoor is, after all, a seasoned diplomat. He is articulate, globally recognised, and comfortable in international drawing rooms. But politics is not merely about individual brilliance. It is also about collective discipline, shared responsibility, and the unspoken understanding that when a party takes a stand, its senior leaders do not freelance.
The poor showing in the municipal elections in Thiruvananthapuram should be a moment for introspection. It should be a mirror reflecting something deep. Voters may forgive defeat. They are far less charitable about perceived disloyalty. They do not admire the clever manoeuvre as much as the consistent stand.
They do not reward those who appear to be forever auditioning for approval from the other side.
There is a difference between statesmanship and opportunism. When an opposition leader appears too eager to accept invitations selectively extended by those in power, questions will be asked. Not by television anchors alone, but by ordinary supporters.
For them, loyalty is not an abstract virtue. It is lived, visible, and sometimes costly.
Shashi Tharoor has always excelled at personality. His command of language, his polished manners, and his global presence are undeniable. But politics ultimately judges character, not charm.
Character is revealed not in eloquent essays or witty speeches, but in moments when silence would have been wiser, or refusal would have carried weight.
If one believes the party is wrong, there are honourable ways to challenge it from within. If one believes one no longer belongs, there is also an honourable exit. What breeds discomfort is the posture of standing with one foot inside and one foot outside, applauding from both sides of the aisle.
Perhaps it is time for the Congress to stop pretending.
Give him a firm handshake, a polite farewell, and a clear shove to help him cross over.
This would at least restore honesty to the situation. It would spare supporters the embarrassment of explaining what no longer makes sense.
Politics may be ruthless, but clarity is a form of respect.
Being slick is sick. Speaking well here, is just being glib.
In the end, voters look past the vocabulary and listen for conviction. So, Shashi, do jump across and see for yourself if the grass is greener on the other side, or maybe, just maybe it’s the saffron you’re missing..!
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