Inside the Congress Divide: M.M. Hassan's Frank Assessment of Shashi Tharoor

In the often-turbulent world of Indian politics, where loyalties are tested and words, truly, weigh heavy, a seasoned Congress leader, M.M. Hassan, has certainly not held back. He's openly taken aim at none other than Shashi Tharoor, the erudite MP known for his eloquence and, well, his rather distinct way of doing things. And honestly, Hassan's critique is sharp, cutting right to the heart of what he perceives as a profound lack of grassroots connection and, perhaps, even party fidelity.

The veteran's main contention? A blistering accusation that Tharoor, for all his intellectual prowess, 'has not shed even a drop of sweat for the country or society.' It’s a powerful image, isn't it? One of effortless ascent rather than arduous struggle, implying a career built on patronage rather than painstaking public service. You could say it’s a direct challenge to Tharoor's very political legitimacy, at least in the traditional sense of a Congress worker.

But the criticism didn't stop there. Oh no. Hassan pointed a direct finger at Tharoor's recent appearance at the wedding reception of a senior CPI(M) leader's daughter – specifically, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's son-in-law's sister's reception. This, according to Hassan, was a bridge too far. A Congress leader, he argued, simply doesn't attend such high-profile events involving political rivals without, at the very least, consulting the party high command. It's about decorum, about maintaining a clear political boundary, about – you know – party discipline. A small thing, perhaps, but indicative of a larger pattern, some might suggest.

Hassan further elaborated on Tharoor's political trajectory, suggesting he wasn't exactly a man of the masses. He stated quite bluntly that Tharoor entered the political arena 'through the blessings of Sonia Gandhi,' rather than rising through the ranks from the panchayat level, earning his stripes in local struggles, the way many Congress stalwarts — Hassan himself, for instance — did. It paints a picture of a politician who, in truth, bypassed the gritty, often thankless, work of grassroots activism.

And indeed, Hassan didn't shy away from highlighting Tharoor's perceived detachment from the day-to-day grind of party life. He stressed that Tharoor, despite his profile, had rarely been seen participating in party activities or public protests. These are the very lifeblood of a political organization, the visible displays of solidarity and commitment that, honestly, leaders are expected to embody. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the optics of a leader who seems to float above the fray?

This isn't an isolated incident, mind you. Tharoor has, shall we say, a history of charting his own course, a characteristic that often rubs the old guard the wrong way. Recall his spirited, though ultimately unsuccessful, bid for the Congress presidential post? A move that, for many, symbolized a direct challenge to the party establishment. It seems there’s a consistent thread here: a certain independence that, while admirable to some, can feel like outright defiance to others within the party's traditional structure.

So, what are we to make of this public dressing-down? It certainly underscores a palpable tension within the Congress party, particularly in Kerala, as it grapples with its future. Is it about generational differences? A clash of political styles? Or perhaps, just perhaps, a candid reminder from a seasoned politician about what, in his eyes, truly constitutes a commitment to public life and party loyalty. One thing is clear: the words have been spoken, and the ripples will certainly be felt.