Delhi: Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly supported the growing call within the party for deep organisational reforms, signalling that internal introspection is necessary if the Congress wants to regain its political footing.
Tharoor’s remarks come amid a fresh internal debate triggered by veteran leader Digvijaya Singh, who recently highlighted the importance of organisational strength in politics. Singh had shared a decades-old image from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s early political life, using it to underline how strong cadre-based structures can propel leaders from the grassroots to the highest offices. While the post sparked controversy within political circles, Singh later clarified that his observations were about organisational discipline, not ideological alignment.
Reiterating his long-standing opposition to the RSS and BJP’s worldview, Singh said he remains firmly committed to the Congress ideology. At the same time, he acknowledged that the Congress needs to honestly assess why it struggles to convert mass movements into sustained electoral success, unlike its rivals who invest heavily in structure, training, and cadre-building.
Responding to questions from the media during an event marking the Congress party’s 140-year journey, Tharoor said discussions among colleagues on strengthening the party are both natural and necessary. He stressed that the Congress cannot rely solely on legacy, ideas, or public sentiment, and must focus on rebuilding its organisational machinery at every level.
Tharoor underlined that a modern, responsive, and well-connected party structure is essential to take on a highly organised political opponent. His comments are being seen as a subtle but clear endorsement of internal reform voices within the party, at a time when the Congress is seeking to redefine its strategy ahead of crucial political battles.
