NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday offered a measured response to senior party leader Digvijaya Singh’s praise for the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), remarks that triggered sharp reactions within the Congress and handed the BJP a fresh line of attack.“We have a history of 140 years, and we can learn a lot from it. We can learn from ourselves, too,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP said.”There should be discipline in our organisation. Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself,” he added.Calling Digvijaya Singh a “friend”, Tharoor, when asked whether he had spoken to Singh since his remarks ruffled feathers within the Congress, said: “We are friends, and having a conversation is natural. The organisation must be strengthened, there is no question about it.”Tharoor’s remarks came on the party’s 140th Foundation Day, which Tharoor described as “a very important day for the party” and “a day when we look back at our remarkable history and the contribution of Congress.” On Saturday, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting convened to finalise programmes to corner the government over the VB-G RAM G Act, was overshadowed by internal disquiet after Singh’s social media post praising the RSS-BJP’s organisational structure.Also read: Sharing PM Modi photo, Digvijaya Singh lauds Sangh, BJP says attack on RahulSingh had shared a 1990s photograph showing a young Narendra Modi seated on the floor while senior BJP leaders, including L K Advani, sat on chairs, calling it “very impressive” and describing PM Modi’s rise as the “strength of organisation”.At the CWC meeting, Singh reportedly criticised “over-centralisation” within Congress and pushed for decentralisation.Also read: How Cong reacted to Digvijaya Singh’s RSS praiseThe BJP seized on Singh’s comments. Spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi said the BJP recognises a “gudri ke laal” like PM Modi, while Congress focuses on “Jawahar ke laal”.Singh later clarified that his remarks had been misunderstood. “I was, am and will be a trenchant critic of the RSS and Modi,” he said. He reiterated, “I am opposed to the ideology of the RSS… But I admire their organisational capacity.”Meanwhile, Congress media department chairman Pawan Khera drew a sharp line, saying, “There’s nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?”Party MP Manickam Tagore shared a clip of an “excellent” own goal in football, writing, “Famous Self goal. We have one.”He later added, “There is nothing to learn from Godse’s organisation other than Hate. Congress at 140 is still young, and fights hate.”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 MediaVideosIndian Army Intensifies Anti-Terror Ops In J&K To Flush Out Pak Terrorists Amid Chillai KalanBJP Hails Shashi Tharoor’s Remarks On India’s Foreign Policy, Congress Hits Back‘Hindu Lives Matter’: Protest Outside Bangladesh High Commission In London Over Minority Killings’MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan’: Congress Announces Nationwide Protest Against VB-G RAM G ActShimla Hospital Assault: Doctors’ Strike Cripples OPDs, Surgeries Across Himachal PradeshCongress Rift Out In Open? 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NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday offered a measured response to senior party leader Digvijaya Singh’s praise for the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), remarks that triggered sharp reactions within the Congress and handed the BJP a fresh line of attack.“We have a history of 140 years, and we can learn a lot from it. We can learn from ourselves, too,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP said.“There should be discipline in our organisation. Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself,” he added.Calling Digvijaya Singh a “friend”, Tharoor, when asked whether he had spoken to Singh since his remarks ruffled feathers within the Congress, said: “We are friends, and having a conversation is natural. The organisation must be strengthened, there is no question about it.”Tharoor’s remarks came on the party’s 140th Foundation Day, which Tharoor described as “a very important day for the party” and “a day when we look back at our remarkable history and the contribution of Congress.” On Saturday, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting convened to finalise programmes to corner the government over the VB-G RAM G Act, was overshadowed by internal disquiet after Singh’s social media post praising the RSS-BJP’s organisational structure.Also read: Sharing PM Modi photo, Digvijaya Singh lauds Sangh, BJP says attack on RahulSingh had shared a 1990s photograph showing a young Narendra Modi seated on the floor while senior BJP leaders, including L K Advani, sat on chairs, calling it “very impressive” and describing PM Modi’s rise as the “strength of organisation”.At the CWC meeting, Singh reportedly criticised “over-centralisation” within Congress and pushed for decentralisation.Also read: How Cong reacted to Digvijaya Singh’s RSS praiseThe BJP seized on Singh’s comments. Spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi said the BJP recognises a “gudri ke laal” like PM Modi, while Congress focuses on “Jawahar ke laal”.Singh later clarified that his remarks had been misunderstood. “I was, am and will be a trenchant critic of the RSS and Modi,” he said. He reiterated, “I am opposed to the ideology of the RSS… But I admire their organisational capacity.”Meanwhile, Congress media department chairman Pawan Khera drew a sharp line, saying, “There’s nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?”Party MP Manickam Tagore shared a clip of an “excellent” own goal in football, writing, “Famous Self goal. We have one.”He later added, “There is nothing to learn from Godse’s organisation other than Hate. Congress at 140 is still young, and fights hate.”
