Avoid remarks that aid BJP, Venugopal tells Congress leaders after Tharoor's CJP comments

New Delhi: Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal has advised party leaders to exercise caution in their public statements, following a controversy sparked by senior leader Shashi Tharoor's recent comments on Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. According to party sources, Venugopal conveyed this message during an internal meeting, stressing that leaders should avoid remarks that could be misused by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to attack the Congress.

The development comes after Tharoor, in an interview, reportedly made observations about the Chief Justice that were seen by some as critical of the judiciary. The remarks triggered a political row, with the BJP accusing the Congress of disrespecting the constitutional institution. While Tharoor later clarified his position, the incident prompted the Congress leadership to issue a broader caution to its spokespersons and leaders.

Venugopal is said to have told the leaders that while healthy criticism of government policies is welcome, statements on sensitive institutions like the judiciary must be made with care. He emphasised that the party's focus should remain on issues of public concern, such as unemployment, inflation, and the alleged misuse of central agencies, rather than getting drawn into debates that shift attention from the government's failures.

The advisory is seen as an attempt to prevent further embarrassment to the party, which has been striving to present a united front against the ruling dispensation. Sources indicated that Venugopal did not name Tharoor explicitly but referred to recent instances where off-the-cuff remarks had created unnecessary controversies.

Tharoor, a former Union minister, is known for his articulate and often candid statements. However, his comments on the Chief Justice were perceived by some as straying from the party's official position. The Congress has maintained that it respects the judiciary and its independence, while reserving the right to highlight instances where judicial processes appear to be influenced by the executive.

Political analysts note that the Congress is walking a tightrope, as it seeks to hold the government accountable on institutional issues without appearing to undermine constitutional bodies. The party's internal directive reflects a strategy to discipline its leaders and maintain a coherent message ahead of the upcoming electoral contests.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, on its part, has seized upon Tharoor's remarks to accuse the Congress of being anti-judiciary. The ruling party's spokespersons have demanded an apology, while Congress leaders have dismissed the accusations as a diversionary tactic.

This incident also highlights the broader challenge faced by opposition parties in navigating a media environment where every statement is scrutinised and often amplified for political gain. The Congress's internal guidance aims to ensure that its leaders remain disciplined and focused on the party's core agenda.

As the political discourse intensifies, it remains to be seen how effectively the Congress can balance free expression with strategic discipline. The party's leadership appears determined to avoid any missteps that could provide ammunition to its political rivals.