Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praises Rahul Gandhi as the “man of the match” in the Lok Sabha polls, urging him to take on the mantle of Leader of Opposition.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has lauded Rahul Gandhi as the “man of the match” of the recent Lok Sabha polls, emphasizing his crucial role and urging him to assume the position of Leader of the Opposition.

This call for leadership comes after Tharoor’s fourth consecutive win in the Lok Sabha elections.

In an interview with PTI, Tharoor highlighted the electorate’s clear message against the BJP’s “overweening arrogance” and their “my way or the highway attitude.”

According to Tharoor, this mandate signifies a demand for change and a move towards more inclusive governance.

Tharoor pointed out the challenges ahead for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, emphasizing the need for a more consultative and accommodating approach in the NDA government.

The incoming coalition government will require Modi and Shah to adjust their leadership style to maintain harmony within their alliance and with the opposition.

Tharoor expressed concerns about the NDA government’s stability, referring to it as a potential ‘majboor sarkaar’ (helpless government) on several issues.

He cited examples such as the Agniveer scheme, which has already faced opposition from NDA allies like JD(U) and Chirag Paswan.

Additionally, the BJP will need to reevaluate due to leaders in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar’s demands for special category status.

Tharoor passionately advocated for Rahul Gandhi to take on the mantle of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, highlighting his extensive campaigning alongside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Tharoor described Gandhi as the “unquestionable star” of the Lok Sabha performance and the party’s most popular leader.

Quote: “Rahul Gandhi was unquestionably, indeed, the man of the match of the polls, and in several places, the Congress hit the ball out of the park,” Tharoor remarked.

Tharoor reflected on the Congress’s electoral performance using cricketing analogies, likening it to hitting the ball out of the park in several constituencies.

He recounted his narrow victory in Thiruvananthapuram, which he described as a “super over” finish.

Tharoor stressed the importance of the new coalition government in upholding democratic values and ensuring that significant decisions are made with consensus.

He criticized the previous NDA government’s autocratic style, which he believes discredited Indian democracy both domestically and internationally.

Tharoor celebrated the Congress’s improved tally in the Lok Sabha, attributing the success to strategic campaigns and alliances.

He acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in states where the party did not perform as expected, and called for introspection within the state units.

In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor’s remarks underscore the need for inclusive and consultative governance in India’s political landscape.

By advocating for Rahul Gandhi’s leadership in the Lok Sabha, Tharoor envisions a robust opposition capable of holding the government accountable and ensuring democratic values are upheld.

Interesting Fact: Rahul Gandhi’s two Bharat Jodo Yatras have significantly boosted the Congress’s performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, showcasing his dedication to connecting with the grassroots and understanding the electorate’s concerns.