Congress leader Shashi Tharoor backs Digvijaya Singh’s call to strengthen Congress organisation

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday supported party colleague Digvijaya Singh’s call to strengthen the Congress organisation, saying there was “no doubt” that bolstering the party’s grassroots structure was necessary.

Tharoor made the remarks during the party’s 140th Foundation Day celebrations at Indira Bhavan, a day after Singh sparked debate within the Congress by praising the organisational strength of the RSS-BJP . Singh had noted how a grassroots worker rose through the ranks to become Chief Minister and later Prime Minister Narendra Modi , highlighting the effectiveness of a strong cadre-based structure.

Singh also stressed the urgent need to reinforce the Congress at the grassroots level to mount an effective challenge to the ruling BJP and work toward dislodging it from power.

Responding to questions on Singh’s comments, Tharoor said, “The organisation should be strengthened, there is no doubt.” On whether they had discussed the issue while seated together, he added, “We keep talking with each other. We are friends and talk to each other.”

Speaking on the significance of the Foundation Day, Tharoor said it was an occasion to reflect on the party’s long history and its contributions to the nation. “It is the 140th Foundation Day of the Congress. It is a very important event for the party. It is a day in which we look back on our very remarkable history and the contributions the party has made to the nation,” he said.

In a post on X, Tharoor highlighted the Congress’ historical role, saying the party “played a pivotal role in leading India’s struggle for independence from British rule” and has remained “a cornerstone of the nation’s democratic journey and political evolution” since its founding in 1885.

“The occasion was marked with solemnity and camaraderie at Indira Bhavan yesterday,” he added.