The tragedy of Shashi Tharoor
When Shashi Tharoor joined the Congress-led government as a junior foreign affairs minister after a rousing electoral debut last year, he was hailed as a great, young hope for a new emerging politics. At 54, he is still a toddler by Indian political standards.
Mr Tharoor's credentials were impeccable. He had been a top UN diplomat who had even taken a shot at the secretary general's job, albeit unsuccessfully. He was erudite (a prolific writer of novels, non-fiction and columns), articulate (a delight for English TV networks) and adept at using social networking tools to reach out to his supporters (more than 700,000 followers on Twitter). He appeared to be a far cry from the stereotypical subcontinental politician.
Once in government, Mr Tharoor led a charmed life. First he was ticked off by the government for staying in a luxury hotel at a time when his recession-hit government was preaching austerity. (Mr Tharoor argued that he was paying his own bills, but moved out of the hotel anyway). Then his frenzied Twittering got him into trouble - on at least two occasions he appeared to have irked his party with his messages. He finally ran out of luck on Sunday night after the government could not countenance his involvement with a cricket team in a tournament neck deep in allegations of corruption and sleaze.
In many ways, Mr Tharoor's inglorious departure is a big blow to urban, English-speaking Indians who believe that the country's politics needs people like him to change the rules of the game. "Tharoor's predicament should give no joy to those who have yearned for freshness in politics. He had his chance but let human frailties and the air of India cloud his judgement," writes analyst Swapan Dasgupta. "His unavoidable fall will be celebrated by those who want politics to remain a closed shop."
Was Mr Tharoor's fall a result of blithe insouciance - or what Mr Dasgupta calls "smug superciliousness" - that made him think that he could never do any wrong? Or was he naïve enough to get involved in the auction of a team in a controversial cricket event, as alleged? It is difficult to say. Mr Tharoor has maintained his innocence and said that nobody ever raised any questions about his integrity in his career as a UN diplomat.
But most analysts say it was a bit reckless of him to allow a close aide to turn up for the auction of a cricket team in which a woman friend of his was picking up equity, allegedly free. They say it was improper for him to even call up the chief of the Indian Premier League to discuss matters relating to the team. All this, they say, doesn't ring quite true with a telling Twitter message from Mr Tharoor last week, before he handed in his resignation: "Thanks for all the support and good wishes. You folks are the new India. We will 'be the change' we wish to see in our country. But not without pain!" Social networking will never win votes in India. In the end, writes Swapan Dasgupta, "a man who sought 'new politics' was brought down because he couldn't rise above old politics". That perhaps really sums up the tragedy of Shashi Tharoor.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~26~RS~)
Comments
Sign in or register to comment.
Indeed, the fall of Tharoor is a moment of great achievement for those people who operate and exploit Indian system successfully and do that with impunity. Those businessmen (like Lalit Modi), bureaucrats and above all politicians immediately spotted him as an “outsider” in their bastion and wanted him out ASAP. We also should thank IPL chairman, Lalit Modi for giving us the opportunity to understand IPL’s operation more closely.
I do not know how much Sashi was involved in that scam to gain personally, or how much he was infatuated with his new found girlfriend (would be wife) to influence IPL franchise issue. But I can clearly see his ignorance of Indian system took this toll on his political career, at least for the time being. But I sincerely hope that he will not get dishearten and will learn the tricks of the trade of Indian politics fast. I hope he will come back to Indian politics stronger and use it to user a new era in Indian politics and for India.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
What has Shashi Tharoor's english and urbane demeanure got to do with all this? We have had many sophisticated and accomplished leaders in the past like Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and even Nehru himself. We have Omar Abdullah, Pilot, Rahul Gandhi and many others today.
We have had many great leaders who had none of the international appeal, and dress sense of Tharoor but who are never the less most respected leaders even today. Gandhi himself, Rajaji, Shastri, Sardar Patel, Kamaraj and many others.
While sophistication and good communication are desirable, they are not fundamental. What we look for fundamentally in a leader is high moral standards, genuine concern for the country and its people, a vision for the country's future and the humility to know how to conduct oneself.
We don't need pretenders and wannabees. We need true leaders.
Complain about this comment
First of all, I am really happy to see exit of Tharoor and sad to see the author as usual intellect, educated and a person who can speak fluent English supporting Tharoor. Just want to ask one question does a man being a well educated, worked in a high profile job, and speaking well furnished English must not be punished when he does wrong. We are talking like system did wrong not Tharoor. First the way Tharoor lived, living in five star hotels and all his twitter messages show that he is not fit for being politician since for him he never faced common man situations so he cannot understand them. Yes we have some flaws in system. But in this case system was right. Tharoor was wrong
Complain about this comment
While this may be anecdotal, I would like to counter Shilpy's comment that Shashi Tharoor was a known anti-Hindu.
I don't believe this to be true. He may not have been against conversions, but among all the Congress politicians, he was one of the few to proudly say he was a Hindu. He wrote "The Great Indian Novel" which was a modern English retelling of the Mahabharat. In another book, "Reflections on India", he delineates between Hindutva and Hinduism. Every other media pundit is ready to paint both of them as the same. He was the only one to do otherwise.
In fact, one might say, he was one of the more modern faces of Hinduism in India. He has openly said before that he is a practicing Hindu.
Complain about this comment
What business does a Junior Foreign Minister have dwadling around in IPL franchisees? Was that part of his job description as a Junior Foreign Miniser?
Why didn't the media ask this fundamental question?
Media was more interested in his relationship with his woman friend who picked up some sweat equity.
What I find disgusting is that he wasn't sacked from the job.
This guy should face some serious questioning from the public.
Complain about this comment
A maverick minister like Dr. Tharoor deserves better than being victimised and salvaged in such murky fashion. I for one, endorse his passionate vision for our nation. I hope this rare jewel is reinstated to his post after an investigation
Complain about this comment
It is a pitty that voters in Trivandrum and Kerala who value Mr. Tharoor to their chest, as an honest prson who would like to give his weight upon their wellbeing, is being commented upon only at some allegations leveled against him by vested interests in Indian politricks
Complain about this comment
Classic case of player hatin'
Complain about this comment
Tharoor forgot that in Indian politics only 'fools rush in where angels dare'.
Complain about this comment
It is indeed a sad day in Indian politics. Mr. Tharoor is a Citizen of the World and Cosmopolitian and the the hope was that he would be the new face of 21st Centry India.
Complain about this comment
I do not know what to say, Lalit Modi and Sashi Tharoor for me seems like two guys more like each other than anyone else, nevertheless this is clearly a walk-in-the-park for opposition, Congress wouldnt lose much on this. As for cricket, Modi is definitely going to have his wings cut unless he pulls something magical as he always. One thing I would hate is if IPL comes out as a bet oriented fixed thing, I would rather be ashamed of being an Indian if that is the case.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Perhaps, the only politicians to succeed in India would be the ones that have a direct relationship to concentrated adversities of human nature, such as the Mayawatis, the Yadavs etc.
Why, oh why, Mr. Tharoor, did you imagine that you would succeed in the inglorious political scene?
On a serious note: I doubt the average Indian on the street is concerned about this, for sure, Mr. Tharoor is a big threat to the current political make-up, as were other capable ones, such as T.N Seshan.
Complain about this comment
Tharoor dug his own grave by indulging himself in all that he should not have done, Women, Money and Misuse of power. In the present day Indian politics, he was given an opportunity to be a MP & Minister which very very few (can be counted with fingers) can get unless you have the pedigree / enough crime committed / substantial money to buy votes. He was a beacon of hope for many Indians like me who were expecting to get the country to a respectable moral standing amid these corrupt uneducated and vision less leaders. he old guard will now use his tenure as an example for not bringing in fresh blood to the leadership..
Complain about this comment
Hi Soutik,
I agree with your assessment. Mr. Tharoor was connecting with people through his twitter. It was so nice to see the humane things that happens when he met with leaders. Sadly politics will become a closed shop now.
Complain about this comment
The alleged involvement of Tharoor in IPL scam is yet to prove that Sashis gained personally from that deal. There is also no proof that Sashi used his ministerial power to break laws by encouraging a team from his native state, Kerala. It is also not illegal to send SMS to Lalit Modi about IPL franchise. Is there any proof to show that Tharoor’s activity compromised national interest in any way, or influenced his decision as junior minister of foreign affairs? In reality, a powerful section of Congress party itself did not like Tharoor in the first place. Tharoor is now paying for not being a typical Indian politician. Let IPL or Lalit Modi publish the SMS that allegedly “made sure that Sashi must go” among Congress core committee members.
It all started as tabloid gossip for Sashi’s relationship with his new girlfriend. Then it took serious turn. It was upto the owners/investors of Kochi franchise to decide whom they want and how much stake they distribute among themselves. In reality, there are many, if not ALL, IPL franchise was marred with backdoor entry and corruption by politicians and businessmen. Lalit Modi’s relatives are having stake holding for at least three IPL franchises. There are reports in media that Lalit influenced industrialists like Vijay Malya and his daughter (who work under Lalit Modi) to have stakes in IPL franchise as well. There is always allegation of financial corruption in BCCI, starting from Jagmohan Dalmia’s era, who made India as the main financial driving force of world cricket. We all know that IPL is a proxy of BCCI and BCCI's boss is Mr.Pawar and finance committee head is Rajiv Shukla, a congress MP. All these alleged hawala and benami IPL franchise are there since it started 3 years ago. But Indian finance ministry or IT department never bothered to investigate either BCCI or IPL finances till Sashi episode started. May be that was the main reason for Indian finance ministry to keep mum. Is not it strange that IT started probing IPL only when the name of Tharoor cropped up?
Complain about this comment
on shashi taroor's watch:
- pakistan gained unprecedented influence in washington dc.
this is despite the fact that
-pakistan has a terrible record on terror.
- india has a great record on all things.
- taroor supposedly is u.n. guy with lots of friends in usa and u.n.
apparently taroor spoke good english but made no sense to anybody that is part of decision making in obama administration. may be taroor was too busy in dubai. may be he stayed up late watching late night movies at 5 star hotels and woke up after the business hours.
Complain about this comment
Other than Mr Sanjay Jagdale, not a single BCCI office bearer is a sports personality. All are politician, bureaucrat or businessman. How many world sports organization is run that way? With close nexus of politician-bureaucrat-businessmen (holy trinity) it is easily conceivable how this sports organization rapidly turned into a multi billion USD business venture for some people, at the expanse of the game of cricket and the players. Sporting talent is least important is such T-20 format of the game. Constant cricketing events sponsored by BCCI all over the world is ruining the game itself in the first place and also taking a huge toll of mental and physical well being of the sportsmen. But the poor (not monetarily of course) players are so much blinded by greed that they loose sight of bigger picture.
Complain about this comment
It seemed to me today that the local media was more interested in controversies than news. Dr Tharoor was someone who understood International Politics at its helm. The media booked Dr. Tharoor for the IPL fiasco but forgot reporting about the meetings which Dr. Tharoor held with 17 African Foreign Ministers, 2 Prime Ministers and a Vice President in that same week that of the IPL Fiasco. All v need is the media to mature. The ouster of this smart and speedy diplomat from the Mistry of External Affairs might affect India's bid for a seat in the United Nation's Security Council.
Complain about this comment
It is really tough to understand few simple questions not being raised by society at large . Why do we have to be govern by stupid , not so educated politicians and then they question the "integrity of a well educated man".Next generation is looking forward to clean , educated , determined and full of common sense politicians to rule the country.
It is such a one sided story from the media ,now it hardly makes any sense if the "whole affair was really an unfair one". Come on , why didn't the people raise their eyebrows when the bidding amount was some few thousand crores? From where does the money come from? and what is the revenue model of the owners of the teams bidding ? Lalit Modi has proved it once again, that cricket is a religion in India and the administators are Demi Gods . Just think of it , just one spicy story and some "so called relevations" made by Mr Modi , Mr Tharoor had to quit eventually . Next time , Mr Tharoor just be aware of investing time in sports and that too in cricket . Spend it in some other game and it will really help the country .
Complain about this comment
I got a news feed which said 'Shashi Tharoor Given clean chit by I-T department'. I was overjoyed to hear that as i am a fan. I was rooting for Tharoor from the beginning. I do believe there was a controversy and Tharoor had to deal with it smartly. I feel the resignation of Tharoor and the allegations now put up on Modi and the IPL, was a smart move played by the Congress to take the heat off Tharoor. Now, as Modi is blamed with Match - fixing, betting and other past scandals I think it will be wise for him to quit as Chairman of the IPL before he looses his public image. That said I really hope this does not affect Indian cricket. If the allegations are proven against anyone who is involved, I hope they suffer the right penalties.
Complain about this comment
It is sad that Indians believe that speaking English language makes a superior or educated person. Why not Japanese or French people speak English?
Complain about this comment
English education, scholarship, urbane sophistication and a stint abroad are welcome attributes. But they do not necessarily make one honest, upright and earnest, nor depraved,dishonest and hypocritical. These are independent variables. It is up to Mr. Tharror to prove his innocence.
As for Cricket scandals: Indians are indeed very smart and learn quickly! It took a long time for the West to corrupt sports. Indian bourgeoisie have done it so soon – and scaling all the way to the top echelons of Politics and Business!
Complain about this comment
It was the third strike for Mr Tharoor, he had to go. The fall out.....the can of worms that has opened up. Cricket needs to come out clean, as does the country's image. The sleaze, corruption and money laundering should have no role in any sport, least cricket, that gentle mans game, we have grown to love and cherish, but we find adulterated by cheerleaders and Karbon Kamaals
Complain about this comment
This is not about Educated person (educated Ministers are good for India) its about cricket and sadly thats the only team game that we are proud to talk about in these days. Dr.Tharoor did or tried to do was to carve a team in his state to promote the game and the job openings coming with that and all was ruined because of dirty politics and corporate games.The man in the picture love this game more than any other ambassadress of IPL and because of that he deserves a place and little more respect in this matter.
Complain about this comment
The epitome of corruption is the Congress Party and its members. With a mafia mentality what do you expect!
Complain about this comment
Tharoor brought a knife to a gun fight. He lost. Also, he tried to fight dirty. He let his assistant call Lalit Modi, a drug peddler. I thought that was way below the belt.
Complain about this comment
I tend to agree with what Sriram http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/profile.shtml?userid=1722810 wrote. We need leaders who can walk the talk not just talk.
However, I cannot chuckle at the irony of it all. Congress party is "embarrased" by Tharoor's actions. This is the party that did not feel any embarrasement about the Shah Bano case, or the Bofors arms scandal or its ministers involvement in the riots and killing that followed the assasination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
And, Tharoor has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing (nothing, as yet). So, it has been the case of "guilty until proven innocent". For folks with strong political base it is usually "innocent until proven guilty and all appeals have been exhausted." (as evident by the number of criminals in the parliament)
His issue was he suffered from "tweet in mouth" disease, and no political base. He was just a "pretty boy" - the Congress face for "integrity." (if there is such a word in politics). His doctorate from Tufts, UN experience or his writing did not matter when it looked like something was lacking on the integrity front.
Tharoor, in the end, proved that a diplomat is nothing more than a bureaucrat who plays in the international stage.
I am looking forward to his next book. How about, "The Great Indian Political Establishment", for a title?
Complain about this comment
One Down....
How many to go..
Its everyone to go....
By the way,lets hope next person, replacement for Mr.Tharoor earn at least less than him.
Complain about this comment
The man apparently lacked only one thing: common sense. Thank God, he did not get the Sec General job in the UN. He might have been a permanent embarrassment for India.
Complain about this comment
The article; The tragedy of Shashi Tharoor by Soutik Biswas is a good analysis of power going to the head in a short time. As India's representative in international politics for many years, he did serve his country well. I have watched him often on CNN and BBC world discussing complex issues with clarity and sophistication. But I also found him arrogant,very undiplomatic in relation to Pakistan and a bit of self centred. He forgot that in India,the art of politics is learned over a number of years through public service and not by dropping from a plane as a VIP and expect to be above others.
Complain about this comment
I've read his books....love his non fiction essays on India and Indians. Cant stand his novels. I rooted for him when he tried to become the UN Sec gen. - not because he was one of our own, an Indian, but because he seemed rational, articulate, tolerant and had all the right views on religious, ethnic and national diversities. A friend who works in the UN had warned me about his reputation there - that he was naive, narcissistic and an upstart. I didnt have any reason to believe them - though a petty and slightly nasty essay dwelling on the shape (or lack thereof) of a female journalist who had the gall to question his motives in wearing the 'mundu' in "Bookless in Baghdad' should have given me a hint....
Well...I dont know the ins and outs of this case. If he did use his position to influence the bid in his girlfriend's favour, of course he should resign. But I cant help feeling he's been made a scapegoat here. Dont all the politicians do this? What about Sharad Pawar and the boundless wealth he's raked in through cricket. What about all the Bhujbals and the Ranes and the Manohar Joshis and the Thakareys ...who have peddled and pimped their influence to benefit their familes and friends? I found Tharoor's compulsive tweeting gratituous and silly ...but a trivial offence compared to say building expenisve statues of oneself at the taxpayers expense.
Sadly, Tharoor is seen as an elite and an upstart in Indian politics. He has no mass base except for the urban elite which generally stays home during election time. He was expendable - (though one can understand the Congress's dilemma in dealing with this issue while trying to push the Budget and the women's bill through the parliament). ...so OFF WITH HIS HEAD!
Complain about this comment
The acts Tharoor conducted is a disgrace to the nation, also reminding us of corrupt practices in Congress party. Tharoor can never be a face of modern urban Indians and the thoughts process. Well, he himself dis-associated himself calling these Indians as cattle class!
Glad he got booted when he stood for UN elections else the world would have been dangerous hands.
Complain about this comment
It just shows how a western minded person cannot compete with the likes of Mayawatis and Lalloos in Indian politics. Survival of the fittest.
Complain about this comment
Its unfortunate, that comments many made are more impulsive than judgemental on Shashi Tharoor. Regardless of the charges heaped on him, lets not forget that India has lost another visionary, who was elected from a state, which has 100% literacy.The person has been a seasoned diplomat but in politics he is an infant. It takes many years of exposure to public life and point break situations to become a seasoned politician.
Electing the criminals and communalists, is the norm always by the mandate in India, as voter get swayed by false promises and regionalism.Shashi Tharoor had enemies within his camp, who are either jealous or scared about his growth in Indian politics. Never the ex minister knew that a rogue like Modi had nexus with dirty politicians like Pawar, underworld and a known criminal background.
The ex minister's integrity cant be questioned if seen his career with UN, but he did what he is not supposed to: misusing the post and the powers vested within it. He has paid the price for it.
Complain about this comment
I really hope that Lalit Modi emerges out of this crisis unscathed, and retains his job. The old guard of the BCCI simply does not have the scale of imagination or ambition to run something like the IPL. We need someone completely reverential like Modi to take on the likes of Giles Clarke, ECB and show them their place. Hope the BCCI does not throw the baby out with the bath water. Tharoor was expendable. Lalit is not.
Complain about this comment
Shashi has style...and I wish he had substance too. The main point is that he could break into the collusive Indian body politik. But it seems one needs smartness under the garb of dumbness like our wonderful Lalooji to survive the active Indian political life.
Whatever said, India will resist western (or any external) influence like it has done for hundreds of years.
Let us not lament or either rejoice the incidence. It had to happen and it did.
Complain about this comment
More used to the freewheeling style of New York and the UN,Tharoor has failed to adapt himself to the rather hypocritical and conspiritorial atmosphere of the Indian politics.Sunanda Pushkar was the last straw.Indians would forgive anything but not such a stunningly attaractive,Bollywoodian female friend in full display.
Complain about this comment
Sharad Pawar has long lasting link with IPL ,Why only tharoor's involvement in IPL is controversial? Is Tahroor too good to be for Indian politics? Does some one move from New York to New Delhi to make money through corruption and bribery? Does a minister talking to people through twitter is a big crime? Are we better off listening to our leaders through a Media owned by Rupert Murdoch and over politicized local television channels?
Complain about this comment
People want leaders because they don't believe in themselves. Things are changing and they change every day. They will continue to change as they always have. Individuals recognize these changes and step out front and claim to be the champion of change when in fact they simply recognize what is already happening. Leaders come and go but change is constant. Power is always in the hands of a minority, it is that way everywhere and always has. How many individuals have been sent off on some election for reform and very little beyond speeches are the results.We create the image of people we want to see and often the reality is different...we do this over and over.
We bring a gift to a beautiful young woman and are disappointed when we leave and pass others bringing her gifts too.
Complain about this comment
i really don't know if mrtharoor is guilty or not ,but what amuses me is the argument of educated illiterates that because he is well educated ,charming ,worked in u.n he should be above suspicion ,i would like to remember all those that biggest scams in india are committed by these so called charming educated politicians be it bofors ,coffins u name it.
problem with indian people they often go with emotion rather than logic.
unfortunately even the educated youth gets carried away by the these biased elitist media ,sadly very often perception counts more than substance these days.
Complain about this comment
Yesterday, I sent a small comment on this story. I was told that it would be published in few moments. Now I can see that you have not brought it. It is your right to do so but at least, you can let me know, why my comment was not considered.I thought that BBC was open minded and inclusive. I do not hope that a Pakistani critic of Mr. Shashi Tharoor is censored.
Kind regards
Bashy Quraishy
Complain about this comment
The Shashi Tharoor resignation is just the beginning of the story. It is now very clear that Mr Lalit Modi will also have to go. Mr Modi's sacking will be the best thing which will happen to IPL. Otherwise, under Mr Modi, it would be descended into the sleaziest sports event in the world and just self-destroyed itself one day. Cricket will count itself very lucky when Mr Modi leaves the IPL. Mr Modi reminds me of India's real estate barons/developers - in developing/grabbing land and monetising every bit, they have destroyed our cities and townships. In the beginning, like IPL, it looks like a good thing, and soon everything is destroyed. So Mr Modi must go, and very soon at that.
Complain about this comment
Just because he can speak good english doesn't make him good administrater. Kamaraj could not speak english but was a good administrator/leader. Being in power he has no business to call IPL for a particular team. Public figures are role models for others.
Complain about this comment
At 10:13am on 20 Apr 2010, jet225 wrote:
I really hope that Lalit Modi emerges out of this crisis unscathed, and retains his job. The old guard of the BCCI simply does not have the scale of imagination or ambition to run something like the IPL.
---------------------------------
If somebody is supporting Modi, either he should be in darkness with regard to Modi's criminal record or his past misdoings. Underworld dons also run successful businesses including cricket. Modi belongs to that pedigree. We can handover the IPL chief post to Chota Rajan instead.
A betting exceeding Rs.5,000/- crore has been already done for the upcoming IPL matches. Do you think Modi and Pawar has no hands in this? Do we need cricket at all for a nation of one billion people. Other sports in India are ignored and the sportspersons are humiliated to no end. Shame on those who give patronage to betting and entertainment. There is no national pride in this to say here.
Complain about this comment
The Indian youth had very high hopes for Shashi Tharoor. He has disappointed everyone. He could have done a lot more valuable things with his time then creating controversies. Being a diplomat this was not expected from him.
Complain about this comment
Tharoor was the best man for the external affairs post, in fact he should have been the minister and not minister of state. ofcourse he is a 'toddler' as far as age is concerned in Indian politics, as Soumik said. it is true that got into a lot of things that are considered sensitive. i believe it is his lack of experience (in Indian politics) that has got him into what he is facing. but there's nobody better to replace him with that post. in fact most of us youngsters want a change in the faces-the same old people, some in their late 70s...
My say is if he is cleared he should be back. he should distance himself from cricket and other tainted issues. we want a well-spoken, youngish, knowledgeable, charismatic leader at any cost. spare him
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
At 00:56am on 21 Apr 2010, syed wrote:
If somebody is supporting Modi, either he should be in darkness with regard to Modi's criminal record or his past misdoings.
----------------------------------------------------------
Syed, i don't know if you are from the sub continent. But here in India, private citizens have very little civil liberties. If you ever dare question or cross the Congress govt, like Modi did, the Congress party lets loose the thugs from the I-T dept on you and your business. The real thugs here are the congress party goons that hold power and wield draconian colonial laws (never reformed in 60 years of independence) to subjugate their own citizens.
Complain about this comment
We need to really ask two questions:
- How much do you pay for a brand manager in India for an IPL team? With Rs 70 crores equity, I can employ at least ten of the best brand managers in India.
- Did Sunanda ever get a fifteen million dollar contract for her professional service? Very unlikely.
It is very obvious to any thinking person that Rendezvous guys offered her the deal because of Tharoor. Tharoor doesn’t have to ask for it; the understanding is implicit.
I am really happy with the decision of Congress to sack him. Still I would welcome if he returns to a position of responsibility in future if he learns his lesson; He is an extraordinarily talented guy.
Complain about this comment
Soutik, is it a kind of political obituary for Mr. Tharoor?
It feels sad that a man of such credentials is involved in this controversy. However, I believe he is no saint, he should clarify his role..I agree that he broke people's trust.
Complain about this comment
I cant understand what is this article trying to convey? How was Tharoor's exit a tragedy? What has he achieved in his political career so far except some silly tweets? What has he achieved as minister of external affairs except making Indian foreign policy suffer even more?
I dont care if he can speak English or not, all I want is someone who can take India ahead specially when he has such an important ministry.
A non-consequential person whose absence wont be felt one bit.
Complain about this comment
not only Congress, BJP,NCP are having their feet in the IPL money mud too. So, they will together let the issue die, raising other issues like food price, petrol price, Nityanand, Telangana, Maoists, Nalini's mobile, Kashmir, Pakistan, 26/11, Afzal Guru, Yasin Malik, Russian deals, Fashion TV ban, Swiss bank Money, ......and so on.
You will forget the importance of any of these issues with time and think that you are unnecessariliy wasting your time on these things. And this is what they want to prove to common people. This helps them a lot not letting any issue get resolved.
How many issues you have seen getting resolved in past decade or past two decades? Does the Government really want to solve issue? NO. BIG NO.
No wonder Maoists and other separatists are thriving. No wonder several people have their black money in Swiss Banks and roaming free in India, no wonder Hindu Muslim still fight to death for petty issue like Mandir/Masjid. Policy of the government is no different from British policy of divide and rule, and make money out of common man.
Complain about this comment
Yes,Tharoor could not rise above the old politics because his politics is new and different.Though one may have different opinions about his style of living and his inability to be one with the common man of India-may be he will learn being so intelligent and intellectual-I for one cannot question his sincerity and integrity. Financial gains and power through politics is part of the Indian democracy and most of our so called leaders are after that. BUT FOR THAROOR, THIS IS NOT HIS AIM.
Complain about this comment
Tharoor has been accused of using his office for personal gain from the day he become minister...but was given benifit of doubt. It is only after a thorough IB and Tax investigation, the PM confronted & sacked him. Still he (as does Kasab and Natwar Singh) claims he's innocent ! Also - the rest of politicians who are equally corrupt like Sharad Pawar and Lallu and Reddy's etc..have come from the grass roots and worked for decades for people hence they are forgiven to some extent...But Tharoor ? he has DONE NOTHING ; has worked in UN for 30yrs ; does not pay any taxes in India and is trying to make quick bucks where possible by using Indian people. He is actually come accorss as articulate and slick - but scratch the surface you find a superficial, greedy person. It does not take too long for a LEADER to shine and a LOOSER to be sacked in Indian politics.
.
Complain about this comment
This blog post is unfortunate. Tharoor's exit is not a tragedy. One need not conflate being articulate with good governance or high ethics. Let's get this straight. In UN and other international circles, Tharoor does not have the ramrod straight reputation he is portraying. In fact, when he was going for the UNSG's job, the Indian foreign ministry advised the PM that he would not get enough votes -- as large blocs were against him. Despite Indian foreign office reluctance, the PM pushed him forward as his candidate. His story is one of Icarus -- of hubris that crashed. Like Icarus, Tharoor too could not resist temptation. Here is a more telling piece on his persona that could profitably assist Mr. Biswas's understanding of this man whom he admires: http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_shashi-tharoor-a-man-in-love-with-himself_1372620
Complain about this comment
I would evaluate a minister by the value s/he added to the job that was given. The oratorial skills, accented English, penmanship, sartorial elegance, etc., hold scant meaning if s/he hasn't delivered. Let's rate Tharoor on that yardstick and evaluate the results.
Complain about this comment
It seems that there was/is a systemic problem in the whole IPL issue from the beginning. Lots of high profile, powerful people seems to be involved there, including central ministers. Many of them are important in policy making; many of them are responsible to check corruption in public life. But everyone was interested to get their shares of the loot, while many should have blew the whistle long ago. That did not happen. Only a personal clash between two powerful people. General public were not aware about the depth of corruption in the whole saga before this. Does our policy makers and those involved in this scam has any idea how such controversies will affect young Indian cricketing talents and the game of cricket? Serious ones will be frustrated to their cores, while majority (the more “practical” ones) will learn how to do corruption and use the existing system in their favour than to learn the game of cricket, or how to govern a country or a organization (e.g. IPL or BCCI).
This IPL issue is a perfect example how Indian system works; why extremist violence including naxals is now the main threat to internal security. In short, this IPL issue also shows us why we fail as a country and society.
Complain about this comment
Mr. Biswas: I wish you wouldn't use term like "urban, English-speaking Indians", we need to move into the current century where language skills are a tool not a badge of merit. I'd take an honest, Hindi-speaking politician who focuses on his job instead of an English-speaking politician who is assigned to the External Affairs Ministry but gets involved in private cricket teams. Show me where the External Affairs ministry has assigned Mr. Tharoor to get involved with the IPL and I'll take back my comments. Jai Hind
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
When politicians deliver official statements, they are usually well measured, thought through in advance, weighted and aimed with accuracy. But I'm afraid that Tharoor's 'ex-cathedra' tweets came across as the ramblings of an upper-class twit rather than a thinking intellectual. Having said that, I agree with urban Indians that he is far preferable to the usual Indian politicians: rustic clowns playing their charades in public. I initially found his bringing governance into public space refreshing, but later he seemed to get ahead of himself a bit. He was a casualty of the perpetual political war that goes on in India rather than a deeply guilty culprit.
Complain about this comment
@doctorveritas and abhijit roy:
you both are right on the money. looks to me biswas, like so many indian journalists who depend on "good english" for their living, still lives in the old colonial times when speaking english was the badge of honor that endeared the speaker to the colonial subjugators. mr. biswas needs a big fast forward. may be he can look at gujarat chief minister (cm) narendra modi who has transformed the state of gujarat that has left all wonderstruck. cm modi insists on speaking in common hindi to common people and insists on calling himself a common man (cm). same is true of bihar's new cm nitish who in due time will change bihar, on which most had given up all along but the state is now on a fast development curve and is showing a great promise. under english speaking tharoor, with all his unverified u.n. "connections", the indian foreign policy continues to be a big question mark. now usa is about to gift away a big warship to pakistan that will the u.s. govt hopes to have you believe that it will help pakistan help fight some mysterious terrorists hiding in the arabian waters!!!!!!!!! however, tharoor's eyes are fixated clear across the arabian waters on to a gulf country which helps him preach love among terror.
Complain about this comment
All my writings are fully plain thoughts to this website.
He was a good orator, good writer and good updates in twitter website.
He is a my friend in twitter website.
he had done tremendous,productive works in his UNO days.He knows many foreign languages.Highly articulate,well gentleman in all aspects.
First time, he was elected in a parliamentary seat in a home state.
He had done many useful jobs as a junior minister in external affairs,and his jobs were quite interesting,he was a very good touch with Indian Prime minister, widely traveled in many parts of the world.As per my personal thinking, he was not able to get along with his some politicians with in high notes.
His English supremacy were not able to judge from others.
Bad luck was in his latest happenings, created some bubbles in and outside of his government.
One basic problem with his gentle man and came from highly educated fields had cost him job.
Truth will triumph at one day.But, they may be very late.
Due to certain friendships with some others, he wanted to get his home state to encourage cricket games to every nook and corner of this world.
When, he was a minister, he had lived in very sophisticated life, not moving common public also cost him job.
He would not have indirectly supported his somewhat unknown game franchise recommendations to his own people.That also added bad advantage to him to forcibly resign from this post.
This is a type of democracy in many countries.
Now, he can concentrate his intelligence on more productive, realistic ways of writing good books on Indian foreign relations, his past achievements and do more services to his voters.
His talents and capabilities will be rewarded with high ranking either today or tomorrow or future months.
Complain about this comment
Soutik:
Yes, it is a very much of a tragedy in regards of what has happen to Mr. Shashi Tharoor in the recent times in India....
(Dennis Junior)
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Tharoor is the one of the cleanest politicians in India right now other than PM Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi.
Tharoor used his personal contacts to bring cricket to Kerala and without accepting any monetary benefits or bribe. So Whats wrong with that? He did not and could influence the outcome of the bidding process.
Off course other Rich celebrities and corrupt politicians could.
Tharoor is new to Dirty Indian politics and he is a lotus surrounded by dirt.Kerala has been the most neglected state in southern India in terms of development.The state govt, which is governed by Communists are to be blamed along with Central Govt because of dirty politics and selfish motives.If you look at Indian cricket team since its origin, you will notice that hardly any players are selected from Kerala. Why?
Tharoor is a well known personality and he is first Indian politician to bring transparency by posting his routine official meetings and engagements on twitter. He is a Youth Icon like Rahul Gandhi.
Complain about this comment
Mr Tharoor had got a chance to do something good for the country/people, he wasted his time in the government courting nonsensical controversies. He doesn't have anything to show as a minister except for the menial controversies he generated on twitter.
A lot more was expected from a thought to be learned man. Even if he came out clean, which is doubtful, he doesn't seem a man of character.
Complain about this comment
Tharoor deserved what he got. Why would anyone who wants to improve Indian Politics join the Congress, a party of goondas and thieves. The changes in India are forced by the people. The party has lost control of progress (economic) and peace (violence by Maoists).
If Tharoor really wanted to change something at the national level, he should have joined the BJP (a best option amongst all evils) or joined a smaller regional party with a clear and clean agenda. Also Tharoor did not earn his place. He cut in line rather than working and growing with the people he represented.
But what do you expect from the "Party of Gandhi" of which Mohandas Gandhi was never a member.
Complain about this comment
Tharoor has UK Passport. how did he get job as Indian Minister?
Complain about this comment
Oh well ... the Congress goons finally managed it. Getting the only real in-party competition for beta Rahul Gandhi out of the way. Congratulations to them!
Complain about this comment
"Mr Tharoor's inglorious departure is a big blow to urban, English-speaking Indians "
I don't think urban, English speaking Indians care about the fact that he's urban and English speaking as much as whether he is clean or not.
That is the real blow. Right thinking people are looking integrity and not someone who seems urbane, but is the same old corrupt person with a glib tongue.
Complain about this comment
I am an admirer of Shashi Tharoor.I can't see he has done anything wrong.Here I've read comments like he couldn't understand common man's problem. We have plenty of politicians who can understand it.What have they done for the mass population?
Mostly, our politicians are those who haven't completed even high school.Are they enough to bring development to this country?We need well educated politicians like Shashi Tharoor to think differently and bring more development to this country.He is an ideal candidate for foreign affairs.
Complain about this comment
why dont you all comment on the topic rather than comenting on what soutik biswas thinks on that.
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS