Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Shashi Tharoor Defends LK Advani's Legacy, Sparks Debate
A politician named Shashi Tharoor wished happy birthday to another politician, L.K. Advani, and said Advani did many good things in his long career.
Tharoor said it's not fair to only remember one bad thing from someone's whole life.
He compared Advani to past leaders Nehru and Indira Gandhi, saying they shouldn't be judged only by one mistake either.
However, some people, like a lawyer named Sanjay Hegde, got upset.
They said Advani's past actions, like a big march called the Rath Yatra, were very bad and led to important, negative events in India.
They believe this march wasn't just one small incident but something that caused a lot of harm.
So, people are now debating whether to remember a politician for all their years of work or just for the most controversial parts.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defended the political legacy of BJP veteran L.K. Advani on his 98th birthday.
Tharoor stated that Advani's decades of public service should not be judged solely by one controversial incident, drawing parallels to past Prime Ministers.
Tharoor praised Advani as a 'true statesman' with 'unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency.'
Advocate Sanjay Hegde criticized Tharoor's remarks, calling Advani's 1990 Rath Yatra a movement that unleashed 'dragon seeds of hatred' and rejected comparisons to Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
The debate centers on whether to assess a politician's career based on their entire tenure or specific, significant events like the Rath Yatra, which preceded the Babri Masjid demolition.
- Who
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, BJP veteran L.K. Advani, Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde
- What
- Shashi Tharoor defended L.K. Advani's political legacy and public service after extending birthday wishes, sparking criticism and debate about assessing political figures based on their entire careers versus specific controversial events.
- When
- In response to L.K. Advani's 98th birthday, which was on Friday.
- Where
- Primarily on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and public commentary.
- Why
- Tharoor sought to defend his positive assessment of Advani's long career, arguing for a nuanced view that considers decades of service rather than isolating single incidents. Critics opposed this view, citing Advani's role in divisive politics.
Criticism of Tharoor's Defense
Tharoor's Defense of Advani's Legacy
Assessing Political Figures' Careers
Criticism of Tharoor's Defense
Advocate Sanjay Hegde argues that Advani's 1990 Rath Yatra was not a mere 'episode' but a movement that reversed foundational principles of the Indian Republic, unleashing 'dragon seeds of hatred' and setting the stage for future violence, including the Babri Masjid demolition. Hegde rejects Tharoor's comparison of Advani to Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Tharoor's Defense of Advani's Legacy
Shashi Tharoor contends that it is unfair to define a politician's extensive career by a single event, regardless of its significance. He draws parallels to Nehru's career not being solely defined by the China setback and Indira Gandhi's by the Emergency, advocating for a similar fair assessment for Advani.
Advani's Role and Impact
Criticism of Tharoor's Defense
Critics, like Sanjay Hegde, highlight Advani's role in the 1990 Rath Yatra, which is seen as a prelude to the Babri Masjid demolition, and claim Advani has not preached 'Rajdharma' from his current position.
Tharoor's Defense of Advani's Legacy
Tharoor described Advani as a 'true statesman' with 'unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency,' and praised his role in shaping modern India.
- Politician Praised
- Lal Krishna Advani
- Praised By
- Shashi Tharoor (Congress MP)
- Advani's Age and Birthday
- 98th birthday on Friday, born November 8, 1927
- Tharoor's Description of Advani
- 'True statesman,' exemplary life of service, modesty, decency, unwavering commitment to public service, shaped modern India.
- Source of Criticism
- Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde
- Incident Cited by Critics
- Advani's 1990 Ram Rath Yatra, seen as a prelude to the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.
- Tharoor's Defense Argument
- Cannot judge a long career by one incident; compares to Nehru (China setback) and Indira Gandhi (Emergency).
- Advani's Background
- Joined RSS at 14, began career as assistant editor for 'Organiser' magazine.
Sources
LK Advani turns 98: Man who scripted BJP's rise — from education to career
PM Modi meets BJP veteran Advani to extend wishes on his birthday
PM Modi meets Bharat Ratna LK Advani, extends birthday wishes
PM Modi meets BJP veteran Advani to extend wishes on his birthday
PM Modi Meets Veteran BJP Leader LK Advani, Extends Birthday Wishes
PM Modi Meets LK Advani at His Residence, Extends Birthday Greetings to Veteran BJP Leader
PM Modi calls on LK Advani to greet him on his 98th birthday, says BJP patriarch’s service to India is monumental
PM, Rahul, Nation Wished Revanth Reddy on 57th Birthday
Tharoor Defends His Praise For Advani, Cites Nehru And Indira To Urge Fair Judgement
"Unfair After Long Years Of Service": Shashi Tharoor Defends LK Advani
