Thiruvananthapuram: By sharing footage of United States President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-designate Zohran Mamdani meeting amicably, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called for post-election cooperation among India’s political rivals.
In a post on social media, Tharoor remarked: ‘This is how democracy should work. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it’s over, and the people have spoken, learn to cooperate with each other in the common interests of the nation you are both pledged to serve. I would love to see more of this in India -- and am trying to do my part.’
Tharoor’s comments are viewed as a continuation of his earlier emphasis on mutual respect and constructive engagement, even following robust election contests among opponents. Whilst his approach to mature democratic conduct has prompted debate and discomfort in certain Congress quarters, others have welcomed it as a much-needed call for greater civility in Indian politics.
His latest intervention follows a widely-shared video in which Trump and Mamdani exchange compliments and express a mutual willingness to work collaboratively on urban challenges, underlining the potential for bipartisanship even among political adversaries.
Veteran Congress legislator and CWC member Ramesh Chennithala declined to comment on Tharoor’s statement, as debate continues within political circles regarding the prospects for similar cross-party collaboration in India.
(Inputs from IANS)