Dr. Shashi Tharoor: The Articulate Parliamentarian
Heramba Nath
In the expansive arena of Indian parliamentary politics, where voices often get lost in the cacophony of partisanship and populism, certain figures stand out for their distinct intellect, eloquence, and nuanced approach to national and international issues. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the sitting Member of Parliament representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala, is one such name that has consistently remained relevant, respected, and at times, controversial within India’s contemporary political landscape. A four-time MP since 2009 and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Dr. Tharoor’s role in India’s legislative, diplomatic, and public discourse warrants deeper examination, particularly in the context of his parliamentary contributions, global outreach, and recent high-profile involvement in the country’s foreign affairs agenda.
Dr. Tharoor’s journey from an international civil servant to an Indian legislator is a story of both personal accomplishment and professional commitment. Having served for nearly three decades at the United Nations, rising to the post of Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, his return to India’s political fold brought a rare blend of diplomatic experience and academic rigour to the country’s parliamentary benches. His tenure in the United Nations, marked by involvement in peacekeeping operations, refugee issues, and humanitarian affairs, endowed him with a world-view which was seldom seen in Indian politics at the time of his entry.
Upon his election to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009, Dr. Tharoor quickly established himself as a parliamentarian of substance. Not content with remaining a passive backbencher, he immersed himself in legislative responsibilities, contributing actively to debates on foreign policy, social justice, digital governance, and human rights. His erudite speeches in Parliament have frequently gone viral on digital platforms, appealing to a younger, aspirational demographic often disengaged from the formal political process. In an era where political rhetoric is frequently reduced to slogans and jibes, Dr. Tharoor’s reasoned arguments, interspersed with historical references and literary flourish, have elevated the quality of parliamentary dialogue.
One of the most defining aspects of Dr. Tharoor’s parliamentary career has been his commitment to external affairs and international diplomacy. Chairing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs since 2024, he has overseen critical discussions on India’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, and security challenges. His stewardship of this committee has been widely appreciated for maintaining a degree of bipartisan engagement in matters of national interest, a feature increasingly rare in the country’s polarized political climate. Dr. Tharoor’s insights into India’s engagements with multilateral institutions, strategic partnerships, and diaspora diplomacy have not only enriched policy discussions but also reflected India’s nuanced position in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
The recent Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which shook the nation’s conscience with its tragic targeting of tourists, led the central government to initiate ‘Operation Sindoor’—a multi-faceted diplomatic outreach to mobilise international opinion against cross-border terrorism. In this high-stakes initiative, Dr. Tharoor was nominated as part of an all-party parliamentary delegation to represent India’s position before foreign governments. His inclusion sparked controversy within his own party, with sections of the Congress leadership expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s selection of delegation members, bypassing their recommended names.
This episode not only revealed the underlying fissures within the Congress party’s central command but also raised pertinent questions about the role of individual MPs in representing national interest beyond the constraints of party affiliation. Dr. Tharoor, responding to the controversy, maintained that matters of national security and India’s global image must transcend partisan lines. His statement that “when the country calls, one’s duty as an Indian comes before one’s loyalty to party” aptly summarised the sentiment that, in a mature democracy, critical national interests should unite rather than divide elected representatives.
It must be acknowledged that Dr. Tharoor’s readiness to take on such responsibilities is rooted not merely in personal ambition but in his long-standing commitment to upholding India’s international standing. His earlier stint as Minister of State for External Affairs between 2009 and 2010, though brief, was marked by efforts to modernise the ministry’s outreach mechanisms and strengthen India’s soft power diplomacy. Even after his ministerial tenure, he continued to champion causes relating to global governance reforms, climate change negotiations, and India’s historical contributions to global peacekeeping operations.
Apart from his external affairs responsibilities, Dr. Tharoor has been an active proponent of progressive social legislation within Parliament. Among his notable efforts was the introduction of a private member’s bill aimed at decriminalising homosexuality under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, long before the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict in 2018. Though his bill was voted down, it played an important role in sensitising parliamentary and public opinion on matters of personal liberty and human rights. His consistent advocacy for cultural pluralism, religious harmony, and freedom of expression has positioned him as a liberal voice in India’s political mainstream.
At the constituency level, Dr. Tharoor’s stewardship of Thiruvananthapuram has seen a mix of successes and challenges. While critics allege that his frequent international engagements have occasionally distanced him from grassroots issues, supporters point to his efforts in infrastructure development, urban planning, tourism promotion, and higher education. His initiatives in promoting Kerala’s historical and cultural heritage, alongside efforts to attract investments in the state’s information technology and services sectors, have had tangible impacts on the region’s socio-economic fabric.
Another distinctive feature of Dr. Tharoor’s public life has been his ability to engage with India’s youth. Through his books, public lectures, and active social media presence, he has connected with a generation of Indians who often find themselves disenchanted with conventional political narratives. His literary works, ranging from historical analyses to political memoirs, have added intellectual depth to public discourse and revived interest in India’s colonial history, diplomatic legacy, and democratic evolution.
However, like all public figures, Dr. Tharoor’s career has not been without controversies. His candid remarks on colonial history, social norms, and intra-party dynamics have occasionally drawn criticism from both political opponents and allies. Additionally, personal controversies and legal disputes, though now largely settled, have shadowed parts of his political journey. Yet, his resilience in navigating these challenges and his continued relevance in national affairs underscore a capacity for political reinvention and principled pragmatism.
In the current political environment, where the lines between government and opposition are increasingly blurred by polarisation, figures like Dr. Tharoor serve as essential interlocutors who can bridge partisan divides and represent India’s interests with sophistication on the world stage. His role in Operation Sindoor, despite the Congress party’s reservations, highlighted the necessity of placing national interest above party politics, a principle that should be the hallmark of a responsible democracy.
Looking ahead, as India prepares to navigate the complexities of global geopolitics, emerging security challenges, and domestic socio-political transformations, parliamentarians with Dr. Tharoor’s experience, integrity, and global perspective will be invaluable assets. It is imperative for India’s democratic institutions to encourage such participation, even at the risk of internal disagreements, for it is through such diverse voices that a mature, pluralistic polity can be sustained.
The nation today requires leaders who can combine intellectual rigour with grassroots empathy, global awareness with local accountability, and personal ambition with public duty. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, with all his imperfections and achievements, remains one such figure whose presence in Indian public life continues to enrich its democratic narrative. His story is a reminder that amidst political divisions, the pursuit of national interest must remain the foremost obligation of every elected representative.
