Shashi Tharoor: Congress must be a party of hope, not resentment

Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday (April 9) said that the Congress must be a party of hope, not of resentment; a party of the future, not just of the past; and a party with a positive narrative, not merely criticism.

In his address at the AICC session in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he also criticised the BJP for “trying to divide North from South” and asserted that the idea of India embraces diversity — one can be a good Gujarati, a good Muslim, and a good Indian all at once.

"I hope we will leave here with a resounding message to the nation — that we are here, we will fight, we are resolute, we will focus on the future, and we will build a better India for all,” he said.

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Congress's message

Tharoor added that the Congress is sending out a message from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that the party is reviving itself and is ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. “Here in Gujarat, where we have been out of power for three decades, we stand on the brink of a new revival — and that is a moment of celebration for all of us.”

Reflecting on the political climate, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) member said, “2024 brought us both good and bad news — a positive outcome in the Lok Sabha elections where we doubled our strength, but disappointing results in several state elections.”

Seconding the resolution moved at the AICC session, Tharoor said it should mark a turning point in the Congress party’s fortunes.

“We must retain and rebuild the support we’ve had in the past but lost in the last three elections. This resolution is one of constructive criticism, not relentless negativity,” he said.

Tharoor noted that the resolution begins by asserting the party’s nationalism rather than yielding that space to others.

Party of inclusive India

“Our nationalism is rooted in the well-being of all people, anchored in social justice for the most vulnerable. A key theme of resolution is the protection of the marginalised: the OBCs, SCs, STs, and others who’ve been left out of the nation-building journey,” Tharoor noted.

He emphasised that the Constitution grants equal rights to every Indian, regardless of language, state, religion, or caste, a vision the Congress has always upheld.

Tharoor reiterated that the Congress is the party of an inclusive India — embracing every religion, caste, language, state, and region. The resolution, he said, advocates national harmony and collective well-being.

“We understand India’s diversity and pluralism. Standing here, we reaffirm that you can be a good Gujarati, a good Muslim, and a good Indian all at once,” he said.

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Unity in diversity

Targeting the BJP again, he warned of attempts to divide India along regional lines. “I proudly say I am from South India — and I say too, ‘Nafrat Chhorho, Bharat Jodo’.”

He stressed that uniting India is a shared responsibility, no matter which corner of the country one belongs to — while also honouring one’s commitment to their respective state.

“When we hear the name ‘Bharat’, our hearts should swell with pride. When we hear the name ‘Kerala’, our blood should throb in our veins,” he declared.

Aspirations of youth

Tharoor acknowledged the aspirations of the youth, the majority of India’s electorate, noting that they are focused on what leaders can do for them today and what we would do for their future.

“Our resolution addresses economic growth, but also the critical need to ensure its benefits reach those left behind. The Congress must continue to be the voice of the voiceless,” he said.

He concluded by recognising the dedication of the unsung party workers. Tharoor acknowledged their contribution stating, “You are the lifeblood of the party. We stand on your shoulders. Without your tireless work, this resolution would be just words. I thank you for your service.”

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(With agency inputs)