Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised PM Modi’s leadership, describing him as a powerful orator with a clear vision as he became India’s longest continuously serving elected head of government. Tharoor highlighted achievements in infrastructure and economic growth while expressing concerns over communal divisions, federalism, and democratic institutions.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership qualities and acknowledged several achievements during his tenure, even as he voiced concerns over issues such as communal divisions, federalism, and the functioning of democratic institutions.
Speaking during an interaction on Friday, Tharoor described Prime Minister Modi as a “powerful orator” with a clearly articulated vision for the country. His remarks came as PM Modi recently became the longest continuously serving elected head of government in India, a milestone that has drawn attention across the political spectrum.
Tharoor said that Prime Minister Modi possesses remarkable dynamism and energy, which have helped shape his political journey and leadership style. According to the Congress leader, one of PM Modi’s notable strengths is his ability to communicate effectively with the public and present a coherent vision for the nation.
“I think we all recognise that he has a tremendous amount of dynamism and energy, that he has a vision. Whether you agree with that vision or not, he articulates a vision,” Tharoor said. He further described the Prime Minister as one of the finest Hindi orators the country has witnessed, noting that his communication skills have enabled him to connect with large sections of the population.
The Congress MP acknowledged that PM Modi has left a significant imprint on various aspects of Indian society, politics, and governance. He noted that the Prime Minister’s presence on the national stage has been compelling and influential throughout his years in office.
Highlighting some of the government’s accomplishments, Tharoor pointed to improvements in infrastructure and economic development as important achievements under PM Modi’s leadership. He said that India has witnessed considerable progress in infrastructure creation, which has contributed to the country’s growth trajectory.
However, while recognizing these achievements, Tharoor emphasized that a balanced assessment of the Prime Minister’s tenure should also consider challenges and concerns that have emerged over the years. He stated that it would be incomplete to focus solely on the positive aspects without acknowledging issues that continue to generate debate.
The Congress leader expressed concern about what he described as growing divisions within society and increasing communal polarization. He argued that certain political narratives promoted by the ruling party and its supporters have alienated sections of the population, thereby affecting national unity.
Tharoor also referred to concerns regarding federalism, particularly among people in southern states, who fear that the balance of power between the Centre and the states may be under strain. He suggested that these concerns deserve attention as India continues to strengthen its democratic framework.
In addition, he highlighted allegations frequently raised by opposition parties regarding the functioning of independent institutions. Referring to debates surrounding agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Election Commission, Tharoor said there are concerns about whether autonomous institutions have maintained their independence during the past decade.
Despite these criticisms, Tharoor made it clear that he holds personal respect for Prime Minister Modi. He reiterated that the Prime Minister has implemented several policies and initiatives that have benefited the country, while also maintaining that certain developments during the same period have raised legitimate concerns.
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His remarks have attracted political attention because they reflect a nuanced assessment from a senior opposition leader, combining recognition of the Prime Minister’s accomplishments with criticism of policies and institutional developments. The comments are likely to fuel further discussion on PM Modi’s legacy as India’s longest continuously serving elected head of government and the broader impact of his leadership on the nation’s political and social landscape.
