The "wizard of words" has stirred the hornet’s nest again—how else but with words? Language, both spoken and written, has been Shashi Tharoor’s greatest strength and, at times, his undoing. From childhood to his many avatars—writer, orator, diplomat and politician—words have shaped his journey. So deep is his passion that he has chronicled it in a book, “Tharoorosaurus” and continues to explore it in his column, “World of Words”. The logophile’s flair has won him millions of hearts, yet it has also landed him in trouble. Who can forget the shockwaves of his “floccinaucinihilipilification” or the backlash over his infamous "Cattle Class" remark?

This time, the uproar is over his praise for Kerala’s vibrant start-up ecosystem and the Modi-Trump meeting in the USA. The Congress is in turmoil, scandalised by its Working Committee member’s “political incorrectness” in applauding the adversary. Meanwhile, the Left and the BJP are jubilant, seizing upon his words as unexpected validation from a high-profile rival.

One may disagree with Tharoor’s stance, but there is no denying that his willingness to acknowledge merit beyond party lines only enhances his stature. His political appeal has always transcended divisions—political, religious, caste, gender and class. His four repeated electoral victories in Thiruvananthapuram since 2009 attest to that broad support. By refusing to conform to the rigid sectarianism of conventional politics, Tharoor strengthens his image as a statesman—one who dares to see virtue even in his opponents, while others remain blinded by partisanship. Does anyone other than Congress leaders or their supporters on television debates, bad-mouth Tharoor for what he said? He has also enhanced his credibility as a person who is frank and fair when most politicians appear to the public as rank opportunists. Unfortunately, Tharoor’s critics in Congress do not see that the attack he may launch against the CPM tomorrow could carry far more conviction as one who appreciated them when he thought the Marxists were right.

More than just a personal conviction, Tharoor’s stance is also politically smart. Conventional political parties and many TV pundits often overlook the changing perceptions and values of large sections of the public, particularly the younger generation—for better or worse. While such a constituency has always existed, it has expanded significantly with the exponential growth of the Indian middle class by the turn of the century. This segment seeks a constructive and forward-looking........

© Mathrubhumi English