During the 'Ideas of India 3.0' summit organised by ABP Network, in response to a query about the possibility of joining the BJP, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday elaborated on the reasons he sees for not aligning with the political shift observed among some of his colleagues towards the ruling party.
Tharoor responded to the question asked by one of the audience, "Many of your colleagues have joined the BJP fold. Are you coming?" The Thiruvananthapuram MP explained his stance by highlighting concerns about the "communalisation of political" discourse in the country over the past decade, expressing discomfort with the prevailing attitudes.
Tharoor stated, "Precisely because we have seen, at least in the last ten years, a communalisation of politics in India that makes me deeply ashamed. When I was growing up in Mumbai, such behaviour was not even tolerated behind closed doors in someone's home. That's the kind of bigotry that has become acceptable nowadays."
"This country will not prosper by ‘otherising’ minorities. At some point, that 1% (minorities) will decide that they have no stake in this country and will blow it up. Then all complacency about Hindu-Muslim riots will be over. I invite this government to say ‘embrace everyone’. When you attack Congress for being 'pseudo secular', then be truly secular and stop demonising people for their faith,” he added further.
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In response to Sahasrabuddhe's comments about the BJP's transformative vision and the Congress being 'out of tune', Tharoor called out the 'complacency' of the BJP and its allies, asserting that their claims did not align with the ground realities.
Tharoor noted the importance of politics revolving around ideas, policies, and issues, questioning the BJP's efficacy in reaching every voter and knocking on doors. He drew attention to youth unemployment at 45.4%, rising inflation, and the need for the government to address the concerns of the electorate.
"The election hasn't been called yet, so we don't know how much time the Opposition has... Don't give up on the Opposition as it could be your next government," Tharoor remarked, countering Sahasrabuddhe's statements about the limitless nature of imagination.
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The Ideas Of India Summit 3.0:
ABP Network's flagship event, the 'Ideas Of India Summit,' brings together prominent figures to explore the similarities and differences that define India, the world's largest democracy. Scheduled just before the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the third edition on February 23 and 24 aims to set 'The People's Agenda'.
Building on the success of the previous two editions with themes 'Naya India' and 'Open-Minds Open Minds,' the third edition is expected to continue uncovering the ideas and concepts shaping India.