M.M. Hassan accuses Tharoor of disrespecting Nehru legacy

Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader M.M. Hassan on Friday launched a scathing attack on Shashi Tharoor, accusing him of repeatedly undermining the party’s leadership and values.

Speaking at the Nehru Award distribution ceremony organised by the Nehru Centre, Hassan criticised Tharoor’s conduct, using a Malayalam idiom to suggest reckless behaviour. “He is oiling his head without looking at what he is doing,” Hassan said.

He claimed Tharoor owed his political ascent to the “generosity and trust of the Nehru family,” yet had chosen to belittle them while continuing to serve on the Congress Working Committee. “If he had even minimum decency, he should have resigned from the Working Committee before making such statements,” Hassan added.

Marking Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary, Hassan said he felt compelled to speak out. He accused Tharoor of failing to contribute meaningfully to public service and criticised his praise for senior BJP leader L.K. Advani, alleging that Tharoor had portrayed Congress leaders unfavourably.

The Nehru Award was presented to G. Sudhakaran during the event.

Hassan’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions within the party, particularly in Kerala, where Tharoor’s public statements have often sparked internal unease. His past comments praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s communication skills and policy initiatives, including describing Modi as “crackling with energy,” have drawn criticism from fellow Congress leaders.

Tharoor’s admiration for Advani as a “patriot” and his vocal stance on organisational reforms and electoral strategy have also been viewed by some as inconsistent with the party line.

Hassan’s latest comments highlight the persistent friction between Tharoor and sections of the Kerala Congress leadership, even as the party seeks to present a united front ahead of key electoral contests.

(Inputs from IANS)