Shashi Tharoor, the charismatic Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, has long been a polarizing figure in Indian politics. Known for his eloquence, intellectual heft, and global outlook, Tharoor has been a steadfast Congress loyalist for over a decade.
Yet, whispers of him potentially switching to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have surfaced time and again, fueled by his occasional divergence from the Congress party line and his broad appeal across ideological lines. Could a move to the BJP be on the horizon for Tharoor? The question merits a closer look, even if the answer remains speculative.
On the surface, Tharoor’s political persona seems at odds with the BJP’s ethos. A cosmopolitan diplomat-turned-politician, Tharoor has consistently championed liberal values, secularism, and progressive ideals—positions that align more closely with the Congress’s stated ideology than the BJP’s Hindutva-driven nationalism.
His public criticism of the BJP’s policies, from its handling of religious polarization to its economic strategies, has been sharp and unrelenting. For instance, Tharoor has repeatedly called out the BJP’s majoritarian rhetoric, arguing it undermines India’s pluralistic fabric. A move to the BJP would require a dramatic ideological U-turn, risking his credibility among his supporters and the intellectual elite who admire his principled stance.
Yet, politics is rarely just about ideology. Tharoor’s relationship with the Congress has not always been smooth. Despite his popularity and oratorical prowess, he has often been sidelined within the party. His outspokenness—whether on issues like the Congress’s organizational inertia or its failure to counter the BJP’s narrative—has occasionally put him at odds with the party high command.
The Congress’s reluctance to fully utilize Tharoor’s talents, perhaps due to his perceived “outsider” status or his independent streak, could breed frustration. In contrast, the BJP has shown a knack for absorbing high-profile leaders from rival parties, offering them prominent roles and a chance to wield influence. The likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia and Himanta Biswa Sarma are testament to the BJP’s ability to integrate ambitious leaders into its fold.
Another factor fueling speculation is Tharoor’s pragmatic streak. His nuanced positions—such as praising certain aspects of the BJP’s foreign policy or expressing admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s communication skills—have raised eyebrows among Congress loyalists. These moments, though rare, suggest a political pragmatism that could, in theory, make a switch conceivable.
The BJP, with its formidable electoral machinery and dominance in national politics, might appeal to a politician seeking a larger platform to shape India’s future. Tharoor’s global stature could also align with the BJP’s ambition to project India as a Vishwaguru, or world leader, giving him a unique role in their narrative.
However, the hurdles to such a move are significant. Tharoor’s liberal credentials and vocal criticism of the BJP’s cultural nationalism make him an uneasy fit for a party rooted in RSS ideology. His cosmopolitan image might not resonate with the BJP’s core voter base, which leans heavily on regional and cultural identity.
Moreover, Tharoor’s electoral success in Kerala, a state where the BJP has struggled to gain ground, is tied to his Congress affiliation and appeal among secular and minority voters. Joining the BJP could alienate his constituency and jeopardize his political career.
The BJP’s own calculations add another layer of complexity. While Tharoor’s star power could bolster their image, his independent-mindedness might clash with the party’s disciplined, cadre-based structure. The BJP has little need for Tharoor in Kerala, where its influence remains limited, and his utility in national politics might be overshadowed by the risk of him becoming a loose cannon.
So, what are the chances of Shashi Tharoor joining the BJP? Slim, but not impossible. Political ambition, coupled with frustration within the Congress, could push him toward a dramatic shift, especially if the BJP offers a compelling role. Yet, the ideological chasm, coupled with Tharoor’s commitment to his principles and voter base, makes such a move unlikely in the near term.
The question lingers not because it’s imminent but because Indian politics thrives on the unexpected. For now, Tharoor remains a Congress stalwart, but in the ever-shifting sands of political allegiance, who can say what surprises await?