In the vast and chaotic landscape of Indian politics, there are few figures as erudite, articulate, and internationally respected as Shashi Tharoor. He is a former diplomat and an acclaimed author, apart from being a three-time Member of Parliament. Tharoor embodies the qualities many would desire in a Prime Minister—intellectual depth, a global vision, and an ability to engage in meaningful discourse. Yet, despite his qualifications and widespread appeal among the urban, educated elite, the odds of Tharoor ever becoming India’s Prime Minister are slim to none. Let us explore why Tharoor represents the leader India deserves but is unlikely to have. For this, we shall draw on historical patterns, political realities, and societal biases that shape India’s electoral landscape.
Why Tharoor Fits the Bill
The ideal Prime Minister is a statesman, visionary, and consensus builder. Tharoor stands out from other Indian politicians because of his vast diplomatic experience, skill in explaining complex matters clearly, and understanding of global affairs. His post as a UN Under-Secretary-General gave him invaluable insight into global policy, an asset for India’s international standing.
Moreover, Tharoor is a prolific writer and an intellectual. His books, such as The Great Indian Novel and Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India, demonstrate his deep understanding of India’s history and global politics. Unlike many Indian politicians who struggle to engage with international media, Tharoor is comfortable in intellectual debates, a skill critical for global diplomacy.
A Hostile Political System
While Tharoor’s credentials are impeccable, the structure of India’s political system makes it nearly impossible for someone like him to rise to the top. The two dominant political forces in India—the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC)—are largely driven by populist and dynastic politics.
Tharoor, despite being a high-profile member of the Congress, lacks the deep-rooted mass appeal required to win at a national level. He does not enjoy Gandhi family’s legacy-based voter support. Moreover, his political brand is not a result of decades of grassroots organising. Moreover, Tharoor does not have a dedicated caste or regional constituency that forms the bedrock of Indian electoral success.
The internal dynamics of the Congress party also worked against him. The party remains heavily reliant on the Gandhi family. As a result, figures like Tharoor, operating independently of traditional power, rarely progress past a certain rank. His unsuccessful 2022 challenge to Mallikarjun Kharge for the Congress presidency was revealing. Although he enjoyed considerable support among urban elites, the party’s traditional power structure ensured a landslide victory for Kharge.
The Populist Paradox
The populist nature of Indian politics is a major obstacle to Tharoor’s bid for Prime Ministership. Rather than intellectual discourse, emotional appeals, identity politics, and widespread mobilisation sway contemporary Indian elections.
Our Prime Minister exemplifies skilled political communication. He employs rhetorical flair, nationalist themes, and relatable language in his speeches to connect with the average citizen. On the other hand, while Tharoor’s command of English and Hindi is superb, his speeches can sometimes appear overly intellectual and out of touch. His complex vocabulary makes him appear too sophisticated for the average voter.
People go by perception no matter how flawed it may be. Tharoor has been educated in such elite schools like St. Stephen’s and the Fletcher School. This elitist image is a significant drawback in a nation where voters favour leaders they see as relatable.
Mass Politics vs. Intellectual Politics
India’s electoral landscape is not kind to intellectual politicians. The most successful Prime Ministers—Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee—were not merely intellectuals; they were mass leaders who could mobilise voters across regions and classes.
In contrast, politicians like Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral, who were technocrats rather than mass leaders, struggled to maintain political dominance. Dr. Singh, despite being an economic reformer, remained overshadowed by Sonia Gandhi’s political clout. Similarly, Gujral’s tenure was short-lived because of his lack of a strong grassroots support base. Tharoor, if he were ever in a similar position, would likely face the same challenges.
The Missing Base
In Indian politics, the influence of caste and regional preferences is a major challenge. Politicians frequently build their power base by allying with particular castes or regions. Even our Prime Minister’s success lies in mobilising the OBC vote, a strategy contrasting with those of Mayawati and Lalu Prasad Yadav, who have focused on Dalit and Yadav voters, respectively.
Tharoor’s support base does not belong to a single caste or regional group. He represents Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, a state where the Congress is already facing stiff competition from the Left and the BJP. His cosmopolitan identity, while attractive to urban voters, does not translate into a reliable vote bank. Without a strong caste or regional base, his prospects of securing national leadership remain bleak.
Media Perception and the Urban-Rural Divide
The urban-rural divide in Indian politics presents another considerable obstacle for Tharoor. He enjoys widespread support among urban, English-speaking Indians, but rural India is largely unresponsive to his influence. Reaching rural voters is vital, as they make up over 65% of the population.
Furthermore, unlike mass leaders, the Indian media, particularly regional and vernacular outlets, does not give Tharoor much attention. The mainstream media frequently depicts Tharoor as more of a social media personality than a community leader, thereby hindering his connection with voters.
The Bureaucratic Mindset vs. Political Skullduggery
Tharoor’s approach to governance and power differs from that of successful politicians. His background as a diplomat and intellectual has shaped Tharoor’s thinking, resulting in a bureaucratic style characterised by a focus on policy, logical reasoning, and carefully constructed arguments. Success in Indian politics, though, demands shrewdness, behind-the-scenes dealings, and skilful navigation of intricate political dynamics.
Indira Gandhi consolidated power within her party and shaped public opinion through shrewd political manoeuvring. Tharoor’s unfamiliarity with realpolitik makes it challenging for him to master the power dynamics required to achieve the Prime Ministership.
The Leader We Need, But Won’t Get
To conclude, Tharoor’s intelligence, eloquence, and global recognition make him a highly desirable candidate for India’s Prime Ministership. He envisions an India that is progressive, inclusive, and internationally engaged, thus becoming a true global power.
Populist narratives and caste-based voting make his task difficult in India. Tharoor stands out in our political climate, where emotion and identity often overshadow reason and merit.
India deserves a Prime Minister who engages globally, governs intellectually, and develops genuinely. However, that prime minister is unlikely to be Shashi Tharoor in the current political climate.
For now, India will continue to elect leaders who may not always be the most qualified but who are the most relatable to the masses. And as history has shown, in Indian democracy, relatability trumps brilliance… And that is the misfortune of the Indian Democracy.
Shashi Tharoor, Indian politics, Prime Minister of India, Congress Party, Indian democracy, political leadership, mass politics vs intellectual politics, populism in India, Indian elections, political analysis, Indian bureaucracy, political system in India, Tharoor for PM, Indian governance, Indian intellectuals, global diplomacy, Indian politicians, political discourse, electoral politics, Indian media perception, caste politics, political skullduggery, bureaucratic mindset, India’s future leaders, political populism, leadership crisis in India, democracy in India, urban-rural divide in politics, political elitism, visionary leaders, India’s political landscape.
No comments:
Post a Comment