Political Realities: Shashi Tharoor and the BJP's Challenges

Shashi Tharoor, a prominent name in Indian politics, has long been associated with the Congress party. From his days as an Under Secretary at the United Nations to his contributions as a noted writer, Tharoor has significantly contributed to his party's successes. The question often arises: why hasn't the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extended an invitation to Tharoor, given his broad appeal and stature in political circles?

Tharoor's Loyalty and Congress's Investment

The Congress party has been a constant source of support for Tharoor. He has been appointed to key positions such as a parliamentary constituency and central minister. This loyalty has not gone unnoticed. Critics often question whether Tharoor's loyalty to his party will remain intact if an opportunity arises to move to a more prominent political entity like the BJP.

BJP's Perspective: No Significant Need

The BJP, on the other hand, has no pressing need to welcome Tharoor with open arms. The party already boasts a plentiful talent pool, particularly from the IAS and IPS cadres such as S. Jai Shankar and Annamalai. These leaders are handpicked by the Prime Minister and have demonstrated strong leadership both domestically and internationally. Tharoor, although a skilled orator, may not bring significant new capabilities that the BJP lacks.

Globally Renowned Speaker

Tharoor's status as a sought-after speaker across the globe is undeniable. His reputation as a public speaker has earned him substantial financial rewards. Universities and NGOs often seek his presence for key events, reflecting the broad appeal that his ideologies and public speaking skills command. However, these ideologies align more closely with a left-leaning perspective, which would be uncomfortable for the BJP's Hindutva ideology.

Kerala and Coalition Politics

The situation is further complicated by the political dynamics in Kerala. Historically, Tharoor has been associated with the Congress. Given Kerala's historical inclination towards leftist parties and the ongoing primary support to the Congress, bringing Tharoor on board with the BJP would likely face significant resistance. It would be in the BJP's best interest to maintain their existing alliances, particularly with the Congress and leftist parties, to maximize their chances of achieving power in the region.

Analogy: The Bull and the Butcher

To add another dimension to this analysis, let us consider the analogy of the bull and the butcher. As a political aspirant, Tharoor might see an opportunity to defect to the BJP for short-term gains. However, as in the story of the bull, such a move could ultimately lead to his own downfall. Associating with the BJP, even for the purpose of destroying his long-time adversary the Congress, could backfire, damaging both parties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Tharoor's defection might seem appealing on paper, the practical and political realities suggest otherwise. His current alignment with the Congress, coupled with the BJP's robust leadership and ideological positioning, make it less likely that Tharoor will switch parties. As political allegiances continue to evolve, careful consideration of long-term consequences is crucial. The best scenario for both parties might be to continue their separate paths towards political success.

As we move forward, the dynamics of political realties will continue to shape the future of Indian politics, with Tharoor and other seasoned politicians playing key roles.