Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended veteran politician Lal Krishna Advani after his birthday wishes for the senior BJP leader drew harsh criticism from a lawyer online. Citing former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, he argued that it is unfair to judge a person through a single incident after years of public service.
Advani, a founding member of the BJP who served as the country’s deputy prime minister during 2002-2004, turned 98 yesterday. Wishing him on his special day, Tharoor shared a photo of his young self with the veteran leader, whom he described as a “true statesman” with an “exemplary” life of service and “unwavering commitment” to public service.
“Wishing the venerable Shri LK Advani a very happy 98th birthday! His unwavering commitment to public service, his modesty & decency, and his role in shaping the trajectory of modern India are indelible. A true statesman whose life of service has been exemplary,” read his online post.
Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde sought to differ with him. “Sorry Mr Tharoor, unleashing the “dragon seeds of hatred” (to quote Khushwant Singh) in this country is NOT public service,” he said, apparently pointing to Advani’s 1990 Ram Rath Yatra that is believed to have led to a mass mobilisation ahead of the Babri Mosque demolition.
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