Shashi Tharoor has yet again stirred a controversy around his new book “The Paradoxical Prime Minister“. The majority opinion in the wind seems to bash Tharoor for his recent statements but what’s wrong with them?
“Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a shivling. You can’t remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a ‘chappal’ (slipper) either.”
In the Bengaluru literature festival, Tharoor lashed out with this comment of his which created a dispute and led to a major battle of words on Twitter.
His book “The Paradoxical Prime Minister” points out to the figure of Modi as somebody stuck between two forces one being, the illiberal extremists while on the other hand the more liberal forces of the 21st century India.
Tharoor, in his book on PM Modi, marking the contrast as the “personality cult” of the Prime Minister did not go really well with many of the RSS establishment which again makes sense.
Former prime minister and the great economist, Mr Manmohan Singh has also brutally made comments without mincing an inch of it, and has termed the book as “a very timely and important book”.
Surprisingly he speaks a lot about his successor in not a very good light but highlights questions on Modi’s impulsive decision of economic policies like Demonetisation and GST.
He also raises the super important question on the ambiguity on Modi’s opinion around mob lynching and communal violence. His words clear out his stand to a great extent.
Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Uses The Word ‘Floccinaucinihilipilification’ To Introduce New Book On PM Modi
Our dear PM and his “bhakts”
A lot of outrage was seen as Rahul Gandhi was also dragged in the matter as Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: “Rahul Gandhi you claim yourself be to a Shiv Bhakt please reply to this very horrific denunciation of Lord Mahadev by giving an apology to what Tharoor has done.”
BJP and a lot of their supporters are vigorously opposing this analogy and demanding an apology and the war seems to have begun.
Battling faith with reason?
The point which has to be highlighted here is as to why are people taking offence of this statement? It’s a mere observation which has been written down in the form of a book, who terms observations and opinions as right or wrong?
Religion, faith, customs and traditions are a sensitive and a personal topic but the ambiguity of our PM’s views around these issues are also clear and out in the open which sets a ground for these opinions and observations.
The only mistake Tharoor seems to have made is his brutally honest language which is too much on the face and criticizes Modi to a great extent but honestly, he seems to have spoken aloud what a lot of citizens think.
Although the worst part is that the popular trend does not leave enough space for differing opinions.
“Vikaas” should be for all and not the majority and yes Tharoor’s book is undoubted “floccinaucinihilipilification”.
Sources: Indian Express, Hindustan Times, TOI
Image Source: Google Images
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