‘First Family Is…’: BJP Leader Warns ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism | Politics News

Last Updated:November 04, 2025, 11:26 IST

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s article in Project Syndicate has sparked a row in the political circle with the BJP linking it to the Gandhi family.

A file photo of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (PTI Image)

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday called senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor “khatron ke khiladi” for his article critiquing dynasticism in Indian politics. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla praised Tharoor for his controversial article titled ‘Indian Politics Are a Family Business’; however, he also issued a warning, in an apparent reference to the Gandhis, saying he was praying for Tharoor because “the first family is very vengeful”.

Taking to X, the former Congress member and now a BJP leader, Shehzad Poonawalla wrote, “Dr Tharoor has become Khatron ke Khiladi. He has directly called out Nepo Kids or Nawabs of Nepotism. Sir when I called out Nepo Naamdar Rahul Gandhi in 2017 – you know what happened to me. Sir praying for you… First family is very vengeful”

Sharing a screengrab of the article, Poonawalla described the article as a “very insightful piece”. “Wonder what repercussions will follow against Dr Tharoor for speaking so candidly. Dr Tharoor was already attacked for calling out Nepo kid Rahul Gandhi on Op Sindoor ‘surrender narrative,” he said.

Tharoor’s Article On Dynast Politics Sparks Row

Tharoor’s article in Project Syndicate has sparked a row in the political circle with the BJP linking it to the Gandhi family. The article focuses on dynasty-led political parties in India, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and the National Conference.

“Dynastic politics pose a grave threat to Indian democracy. When political power is determined by lineage, rather than ability, commitment, or grassroots engagement, the quality of governance suffers. Drawing from a smaller talent pool is never advantageous, but it is especially problematic when candidates’ main qualification is their surname,” Tharoor wrote.

“In fact, given that members of political dynasties are likely to be insulated from the challenges faced by ordinary people, they are often particularly ill-equipped to respond effectively to their constituents’ needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance,” he added.

Tharoor further stated that it is “high time India traded dynasty for meritocracy”.

“This would require fundamental reforms, from imposing legally mandated term limits to requiring meaningful internal party elections, together with a concerted effort to educate and empower the electorate to choose leaders based on merit. As long as Indian politics remain a family enterprise, the true promise of democracy – ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people’ – cannot be fully realized,” he wrote.

According to the BJP, Tharoor’s article is likely to widen his ties with the Congress leadership. The four-time Thiruvanathapuram MP has recently been seen as a rebel within the party. Tharoor’s remarks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor did not seem to sit well with the Congress leadership.

In fact, Tharoor was also chosen by the government to lead one of the Indian delegations travelling abroad to convey New Delhi’s message on terror. The Congress had not pushed Tharoor’s name for the delegation despite his experience as a diplomat.

Mahima Joshi

Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a…Read More

Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a… Read More

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