BJP slammed Congress for criticising Shashi Tharoor’s praise of PM Modi’s speech, dubbing the party ‘Indira Nazi Congress’ for its ’emergency mindset’ and discouraging internal dissent. While Tharoor lauded Modi’s focus on development and cultural heritage, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate found the address unimpressive and questioned Tharoor’s appreciation. NEW DELHI: BJP on Wednesday took a sharp dig at Congress for criticising party MP Shashi Tharoor after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address at the Ramnath Goenka Lecture, saying the party should rather be called “Indira Nazi Congress.”BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the Congress reacts harshly to anyone who “keeps national interest above ‘Parivaric’ interest,” adding that internal dissent is discouraged within the party.”If somebody praises the Prime Minister’s speech, which is about larger issues, then a ‘fatwa’ is issued against that person by the Congress, which talks about democracy in the entire country, but there is no democracy within their party… if someone keeps national interest above ‘Parivaric’ interest, then a fatwa is issued against them,” Shehzad Poonawalla told ANI.He further claimed that the Congress displays an “emergency mindset,” remarking that the party should be called the “Indira Nazi Congress.””It should not be called the ‘Indian National Congress’; it should be called the ‘Indira Nazi Congress’ because they demonstrate Indira’s emergency mindset and Nazi dictatorial behaviour,” Poonawalla added.Tharoor praises PM Modi’s lectureTharoor, who attended the Ramnath Goenka Lecture on the invitation of the Indian Express, had posted a detailed note on X praising several aspects of the Prime Minister’s speech.In his post, Tharoor wrote, “Attended PM @narendramodi’s Ramnath Goenka Lecture. He spoke of India’s ‘constructive impatience’ for development and strongly pushed for a post-colonial mindset. The PM emphasized that India is no longer just an ’emerging market’ but an ’emerging model’ for the world, noting its economic resilience. PM Modi said he’d been accused of being in “election mode” all the time, but he was really in “emotional mode” to redress the problems of the people.”Tharoor also noted the PM’s call for a national mission to reclaim India’s cultural heritage. “A significant part of the speech was dedicated to overturning Macaulay’s 200-year legacy of ‘slave mentality.’ PM Modi appealed for a 10-year national mission to restore pride in India’s heritage, languages, and knowledge systems. I wish he had also acknowledged how Ramnath Goenka had used English to raise a voice for Indian nationalism!” his post read.He added that the address felt both like an economic outlook and a cultural call to action, saying he was “glad to have been in the audience despite battling a bad cold and cough.”Congress leader disagreesCongress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, however took jab at the Thiruvananthapuram MP stating that she did not find PM Modi’s address impressive and questioned what Tharoor found worth appreciating.Shrinate had said, “I didn’t find anything in the speech (of PM Modi) worth appreciating. I think PM must answer a lot of things. He was at an event of a newspaper. He should tell us what his problem is with fair journalism. He should have told us why is he not happy with those who show and speak truth… So, I didn’t see any reason to appreciate him.””I don’t know how he (Shashi Tharoor) found one…I found it to be a petty speech. He criticised Congress there too. PM thinks of Congress day and night. This is amazing,” Shrinate added.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Fatwa Issued…’: BJP Jabs ‘Indira Nazi Congress’ For Criticising Tharoor Over Modi Speech PraiseRussia Showcases Missile-Only Pantsir SMD-E Air Defence System At Dubai Airshow 2025’We Hit India…’: Pakistani Leader’s Explosive Admission Unmasks Islamabad’s Terror Links Again’Can’t Rule Out All-Out War’: Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif Rattled Over Army Chief’s Sindoor 2.0 WarningSydney Horror Crash Kills 8-Month Pregnant Indian After Teen BMW Driver Slams Into Family WalkIndia Expands Its Diplomatic Presence In Russia As Jaishankar Highlights Strategic New ConsulatesTaliban Trade Minister Lands in Delhi Amid Major Afghan Shift Toward India After Pakistan ConflictChina’s Propaganda Strike On India Exposed, US Report Details Fake Jet Debris And J-35 Sales TacticsSachin Tendulkar Recalls Receiving Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Blessings Before 2011 WCAishwarya Rai Joins PM Modi at Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centenary in Andhra Pradesh123Photostories10 regional egg dishes from different parts of India5 beautiful white animals that look like furry snowballs8 things life teaches us the hard wayFrom Rajkummar Rao-Patralekhaa to Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh: Bollywood’s adorable baby girl squadFrom protection to independence: Smriti Irani’s modern parenting mantraSalman Khan to Shanaya Kapoor: 5 viral looks of the day setting today’s style mood8 modern-sounding baby names that begin with letter ‘K’How to make South Indian-style Beetroot RasamEgg vs paneer vs soya vs chicken: Which is a better source of protein for breakfast10 unique baby boy names inspired by the Ramayana, and it’s perfect for Gen Alpha123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBrittany LucicAlex Ovechkin WifePaolo BancheroStephen CurryPatrick BeverleyLeBron JamesStephen A SmithCade CunninghamDraymond GreenSophie Cunningham
NEW DELHI: BJP on Wednesday took a sharp dig at Congress for criticising party MP Shashi Tharoor after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address at the Ramnath Goenka Lecture, saying the party should rather be called “Indira Nazi Congress.”BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the Congress reacts harshly to anyone who “keeps national interest above ‘Parivaric’ interest,” adding that internal dissent is discouraged within the party.“If somebody praises the Prime Minister’s speech, which is about larger issues, then a ‘fatwa’ is issued against that person by the Congress, which talks about democracy in the entire country, but there is no democracy within their party… if someone keeps national interest above ‘Parivaric’ interest, then a fatwa is issued against them,” Shehzad Poonawalla told ANI.He further claimed that the Congress displays an “emergency mindset,” remarking that the party should be called the “Indira Nazi Congress.”“It should not be called the ‘Indian National Congress‘; it should be called the ‘Indira Nazi Congress’ because they demonstrate Indira’s emergency mindset and Nazi dictatorial behaviour,” Poonawalla added.
Tharoor praises PM Modi’s lecture
Tharoor, who attended the Ramnath Goenka Lecture on the invitation of the Indian Express, had posted a detailed note on X praising several aspects of the Prime Minister’s speech.In his post, Tharoor wrote, “Attended PM @narendramodi’s Ramnath Goenka Lecture. He spoke of India’s ‘constructive impatience’ for development and strongly pushed for a post-colonial mindset. The PM emphasized that India is no longer just an ’emerging market’ but an ’emerging model’ for the world, noting its economic resilience. PM Modi said he’d been accused of being in “election mode” all the time, but he was really in “emotional mode” to redress the problems of the people.“Tharoor also noted the PM’s call for a national mission to reclaim India’s cultural heritage. “A significant part of the speech was dedicated to overturning Macaulay’s 200-year legacy of ‘slave mentality.’ PM Modi appealed for a 10-year national mission to restore pride in India’s heritage, languages, and knowledge systems. I wish he had also acknowledged how Ramnath Goenka had used English to raise a voice for Indian nationalism!” his post read.He added that the address felt both like an economic outlook and a cultural call to action, saying he was “glad to have been in the audience despite battling a bad cold and cough.”
Congress leader disagrees
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, however took jab at the Thiruvananthapuram MP stating that she did not find PM Modi’s address impressive and questioned what Tharoor found worth appreciating.Shrinate had said, “I didn’t find anything in the speech (of PM Modi) worth appreciating. I think PM must answer a lot of things. He was at an event of a newspaper. He should tell us what his problem is with fair journalism. He should have told us why is he not happy with those who show and speak truth… So, I didn’t see any reason to appreciate him.”“I don’t know how he (Shashi Tharoor) found one…I found it to be a petty speech. He criticised Congress there too. PM thinks of Congress day and night. This is amazing,” Shrinate added.
