BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav Following Shashi Tharoor's Article on Nepotism
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized dynastic politics in his article, calling it a threat to Indian democracy and highlighting the Nehru-Gandhi family as an example. The BJP responded by labeling his remarks a direct attack on Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, accusing them of being 'nepo kids'. Tharoor’s criticism comes ahead of Bihar elections, where dynastic politics is a key campaign issue.
In an article published on October 31 titled 'Indian Politics Are a Family Business', Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the pervasive dynastic politics in India, identifying it as a serious threat to democracy. He specifically called out the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for cementing the idea that political leadership can be inherited rather than earned on merit. Tharoor argued that this trend exists across Indian political parties and regional dynasties, undermining governance and accountability.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly reacted, using Tharoor’s article to attack Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav — the latter being the chief ministerial candidate for the opposition INDIA bloc in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections and son of former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla described Tharoor’s article as a direct attack on these 'nepo kids' and questioned the repercussions Tharoor might face for his candid stance. BJP framed this as part of their ongoing campaign against what they call the 'namdaar' culture of Congress, contrasting it with PM Narendra Modi’s 'kaamdaar' image.Tharoor’s position highlights increasing internal divisions within Congress, as he has recently voiced opinions differing from the party line on foreign policy and national security. The article calls for reforms such as term limits, real internal elections, and merit-based leadership selection to combat nepotism. With several regional parties also led by political families, Tharoor warned that as long as politics remains a family enterprise, true democracy in India cannot be realized.
