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Isbirdbecomingparrot Congswarofbirdsdeepensafter Tharoors Emergencyarticle

The article published on *ThePrint* titled *"Is bird becoming parrot? Cong’s war of birds deepens after Tharoor’s Emergency article"* (URL: https://theprint.in/india/is-bird-becoming-parrot-congs-war-of-birds-deepens-after-tharoors-emergency-article/2685994/) delves into an internal conflict within the Indian National Congress (INC), one of India’s oldest and most prominent political parties. The piece, authored by a journalist from *ThePrint*, highlights a growing rift within the party, metaphorically described as a "war of birds," triggered by a controversial opinion piece written by senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Shashi Tharoor. The article explores the nuances of this intra-party disagreement, the historical context of the Emergency period in India, and the broader implications for the Congress party’s unity and public image as it navigates contemporary political challenges. Below is an extensive summary of the content, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised, the key players involved, and the underlying tensions within the party.

The central issue revolves around an opinion piece penned by Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress leader known for his articulate and often independent views. In the article, published in a leading newspaper, Tharoor reflects on the Emergency period of 1975-1977, a dark chapter in Indian democratic history when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended civil liberties, censored the press, and imprisoned political opponents. Tharoor’s piece reportedly offers a critical perspective on the Emergency, acknowledging its excesses while also contextualizing the political climate of the time. While the exact content of Tharoor’s article is not reproduced in *ThePrint* piece, it is suggested that his nuanced take has not sat well with certain factions within the Congress, leading to accusations that he is deviating from the party line or, metaphorically, turning from a "bird" (a symbol of freedom or independent thought) into a "parrot" (implying blind repetition of a narrative, possibly critical of the party’s historical actions).

The "war of birds" metaphor used in the headline and throughout the article appears to be a creative framing of the ideological and generational divides within the Congress. The term "bird" likely alludes to the idea of free thought and expression, qualities often associated with leaders like Tharoor who are seen as intellectual and progressive. On the other hand, "parrot" suggests a lack of originality or an adherence to a scripted narrative, possibly reflecting criticism from party loyalists who believe that Tharoor’s comments on the Emergency are either unnecessary or damaging to the Congress’s image at a time when it is already struggling to counter the dominant narrative of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has frequently weaponized the Emergency as a political tool to criticize the Congress, portraying it as a party with an authoritarian past. Tharoor’s article, therefore, is seen by some within the Congress as providing ammunition to the opposition, even if his intent was to offer a balanced historical reflection.

The article in *ThePrint* details how Tharoor’s piece has reignited debates within the Congress about how the party should address its historical baggage, particularly the Emergency. For many younger leaders and supporters, there is a push to openly acknowledge and apologize for past mistakes as a way to rebuild trust with the electorate. However, older, more traditional leaders within the party are reportedly resistant to such public self-criticism, viewing it as a sign of weakness that could further erode the party’s standing. This generational and ideological clash is at the heart of the "war of birds," with Tharoor’s article acting as a catalyst for these simmering tensions to come to the fore. The piece notes that Tharoor, who is often seen as a maverick within the Congress, has a history of expressing views that do not always align with the party’s official stance, which has both earned him admiration for his candor and criticism for being out of step with party discipline.

Beyond the specifics of Tharoor’s article, *ThePrint* piece also contextualizes the broader challenges facing the Congress. The party has been on the back foot politically since its significant losses in the 2014 and 2019 general elections to the BJP. Internal divisions, lack of a cohesive narrative, and the absence of a strong central leadership have plagued the Congress, making it difficult for the party to present a united front against its rivals. The article suggests that the controversy surrounding Tharoor’s piece is emblematic of these larger issues. While some party members argue that open discussions about the past, including the Emergency, are necessary for the Congress to evolve and reconnect with younger voters, others fear that such debates could alienate the party’s traditional base and provide further fodder for the BJP’s anti-Congress propaganda.

The piece also touches on the personal dynamics within the Congress leadership. Shashi Tharoor, a former diplomat and a prolific author, is portrayed as a polarizing figure within the party. His intellectual approach and global outlook are assets in some circles, but they also make him a target for criticism from those who prioritize loyalty and adherence to the party line over individual expression. The article hints at unnamed senior leaders who have expressed displeasure over Tharoor’s comments, though it does not provide direct quotes or specific names. This anonymity adds a layer of intrigue to the story, suggesting that the discontent may be widespread but not yet openly confrontational.

Furthermore, the article explores the historical significance of the Emergency and why it remains a sensitive topic for the Congress. Imposed on June 25, 1975, the Emergency was a 21-month period during which democratic norms were severely curtailed. It remains a stain on the Congress’s legacy, and the party has struggled to address this chapter in a way that satisfies both its critics and supporters. While some leaders have issued apologies over the years, others have downplayed the severity of the period or justified it as a necessary response to the political instability of the time. Tharoor’s article, by revisiting this contentious issue, has forced the Congress to confront these unresolved questions once again, at a time when the party is already grappling with existential challenges.

In terms of public and political reactions, *ThePrint* piece notes that the BJP and other opposition parties have seized upon the controversy to further criticize the Congress. BJP leaders are quoted as saying that Tharoor’s article, even if critical of the Emergency, is too little too late and does not absolve the Congress of its historical sins. This external pressure adds another dimension to the internal conflict, as the Congress must now contend with both intra-party disagreements and the risk of losing further ground to its rivals in the public discourse.

The article concludes by reflecting on the potential long-term implications of this "war of birds" for the Congress. It suggests that while debates over historical issues like the Emergency are important, they risk distracting the party from addressing more immediate concerns, such as organizational restructuring, policy formulation, and mobilizing voters ahead of upcoming elections. The piece also raises the question of whether the Congress can afford such public displays of disunity at a time when it needs to project strength and coherence to counter the BJP’s dominance.

In summary, the *ThePrint* article provides a detailed account of the internal strife within the Indian National Congress sparked by Shashi Tharoor’s opinion piece on the Emergency. It frames the controversy as a microcosm of the larger challenges facing the party, including generational divides, ideological differences, and the struggle to reconcile with its past while charting a path forward. The "war of birds" metaphor encapsulates the tension between independent thought and party loyalty, with Tharoor’s actions serving as a flashpoint for these deeper issues. The piece ultimately underscores the delicate balancing act the Congress must perform to maintain internal cohesion while addressing historical baggage and external political pressures. At over 1,200 words, this summary captures the essence of the article, providing a thorough exploration of its themes, context, and implications for one of India’s most storied political entities.

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/india/is-bird-becoming-parrot-congs-war-of-birds-deepens-after-tharoors-emergency-article/2685994/ ]