\n<\/p>\n
Last Updated:<\/span>November 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/time><\/p>\nCongress 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.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/p>\nA file photo of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (PTI Image)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday called senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor \u201ckhatron ke khiladi” for his article critiquing dynasticism in Indian politics. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla praised Tharoor for his controversial article titled \u2018Indian Politics Are a Family Business\u2019; however, he also issued a warning, in an apparent reference to the Gandhis, saying he was praying for Tharoor because \u201cthe first family is very vengeful”.<\/p>\nTaking to X, the former Congress member and now a BJP leader, Shehzad Poonawalla wrote, \u201cDr 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 \u2013 you know what happened to me. Sir praying for you\u2026 First family is very vengeful”<\/p>\n\n\nDr Tharoor has become Khatron ke KhiladiHe has directly called out Nepo Kids or Nawabs of Nepotism<\/p>\nSir when i called out Nepo Naamdar Rahul Gandhi in 2017 \u2013 you know what happened to me<\/p>\nSir praying for you\u2026<\/p>\nFirst family is very vengeful https:\/\/t.co\/yvaMEY8vtI<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nSharing a screengrab of the article, Poonawalla described the article as a \u201cvery insightful piece”. \u201cWonder 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 \u2018surrender narrative,” he said.<\/p>\nTharoor\u2019s Article On Dynast Politics Sparks Row<\/h4>\nTharoor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\u201cDynastic 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\u2019 main qualification is their surname,” Tharoor wrote.<\/p>\n\u201cIn 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\u2019 needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance,” he added.<\/p>\nTharoor further stated that it is \u201chigh time India traded dynasty for meritocracy”.<\/p>\n\u201cThis 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 \u2013 \u2018government of the people, by the people, for the people\u2019 \u2013 cannot be fully realized,” he wrote.<\/p>\nAccording to the BJP, Tharoor\u2019s 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\u2019s remarks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor did not seem to sit well with the Congress leadership.<\/p>\nIn fact, Tharoor was also chosen by the government to lead one of the Indian delegations travelling abroad to convey New Delhi\u2019s message on terror. The Congress had not pushed Tharoor\u2019s name for the delegation despite his experience as a diplomat.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nMahima Joshi<\/a><\/p>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nNovember 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘First Family Is…’: BJP Leader Warns ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A file photo of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (PTI Image)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday called senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor \u201ckhatron ke khiladi” for his article critiquing dynasticism in Indian politics. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla praised Tharoor for his controversial article titled \u2018Indian Politics Are a Family Business\u2019; however, he also issued a warning, in an apparent reference to the Gandhis, saying he was praying for Tharoor because \u201cthe first family is very vengeful”.<\/p>\n
Taking to X, the former Congress member and now a BJP leader, Shehzad Poonawalla wrote, \u201cDr 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 \u2013 you know what happened to me. Sir praying for you\u2026 First family is very vengeful”<\/p>\n
\nDr Tharoor has become Khatron ke KhiladiHe has directly called out Nepo Kids or Nawabs of Nepotism<\/p>\nSir when i called out Nepo Naamdar Rahul Gandhi in 2017 \u2013 you know what happened to me<\/p>\nSir praying for you\u2026<\/p>\nFirst family is very vengeful https:\/\/t.co\/yvaMEY8vtI<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nSharing a screengrab of the article, Poonawalla described the article as a \u201cvery insightful piece”. \u201cWonder 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 \u2018surrender narrative,” he said.<\/p>\nTharoor\u2019s Article On Dynast Politics Sparks Row<\/h4>\nTharoor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\u201cDynastic 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\u2019 main qualification is their surname,” Tharoor wrote.<\/p>\n\u201cIn 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\u2019 needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance,” he added.<\/p>\nTharoor further stated that it is \u201chigh time India traded dynasty for meritocracy”.<\/p>\n\u201cThis 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 \u2013 \u2018government of the people, by the people, for the people\u2019 \u2013 cannot be fully realized,” he wrote.<\/p>\nAccording to the BJP, Tharoor\u2019s 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\u2019s remarks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor did not seem to sit well with the Congress leadership.<\/p>\nIn fact, Tharoor was also chosen by the government to lead one of the Indian delegations travelling abroad to convey New Delhi\u2019s message on terror. The Congress had not pushed Tharoor\u2019s name for the delegation despite his experience as a diplomat.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nMahima Joshi<\/a><\/p>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nNovember 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘First Family Is…’: BJP Leader Warns ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Dr Tharoor has become Khatron ke KhiladiHe has directly called out Nepo Kids or Nawabs of Nepotism<\/p>\n
Sir when i called out Nepo Naamdar Rahul Gandhi in 2017 \u2013 you know what happened to me<\/p>\n
Sir praying for you\u2026<\/p>\n
First family is very vengeful https:\/\/t.co\/yvaMEY8vtI<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nSharing a screengrab of the article, Poonawalla described the article as a \u201cvery insightful piece”. \u201cWonder 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 \u2018surrender narrative,” he said.<\/p>\nTharoor\u2019s Article On Dynast Politics Sparks Row<\/h4>\nTharoor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\u201cDynastic 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\u2019 main qualification is their surname,” Tharoor wrote.<\/p>\n\u201cIn 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\u2019 needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance,” he added.<\/p>\nTharoor further stated that it is \u201chigh time India traded dynasty for meritocracy”.<\/p>\n\u201cThis 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 \u2013 \u2018government of the people, by the people, for the people\u2019 \u2013 cannot be fully realized,” he wrote.<\/p>\nAccording to the BJP, Tharoor\u2019s 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\u2019s remarks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor did not seem to sit well with the Congress leadership.<\/p>\nIn fact, Tharoor was also chosen by the government to lead one of the Indian delegations travelling abroad to convey New Delhi\u2019s message on terror. The Congress had not pushed Tharoor\u2019s name for the delegation despite his experience as a diplomat.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nMahima Joshi<\/a><\/p>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nNovember 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘First Family Is…’: BJP Leader Warns ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2014 Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nSharing a screengrab of the article, Poonawalla described the article as a \u201cvery insightful piece”. \u201cWonder 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 \u2018surrender narrative,” he said.<\/p>\nTharoor\u2019s Article On Dynast Politics Sparks Row<\/h4>\nTharoor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\u201cDynastic 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\u2019 main qualification is their surname,” Tharoor wrote.<\/p>\n\u201cIn 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\u2019 needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance,” he added.<\/p>\nTharoor further stated that it is \u201chigh time India traded dynasty for meritocracy”.<\/p>\n\u201cThis 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 \u2013 \u2018government of the people, by the people, for the people\u2019 \u2013 cannot be fully realized,” he wrote.<\/p>\nAccording to the BJP, Tharoor\u2019s 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\u2019s remarks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor did not seem to sit well with the Congress leadership.<\/p>\nIn fact, Tharoor was also chosen by the government to lead one of the Indian delegations travelling abroad to convey New Delhi\u2019s message on terror. The Congress had not pushed Tharoor\u2019s name for the delegation despite his experience as a diplomat.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nMahima Joshi<\/a><\/p>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nNovember 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘First Family Is…’: BJP Leader Warns ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Sharing a screengrab of the article, Poonawalla described the article as a \u201cvery insightful piece”. \u201cWonder 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 \u2018surrender narrative,” he said.<\/p>\n
Tharoor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDynastic 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\u2019 main qualification is their surname,” Tharoor wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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\u2019 needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance,” he added.<\/p>\n
Tharoor further stated that it is \u201chigh time India traded dynasty for meritocracy”.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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 \u2013 \u2018government of the people, by the people, for the people\u2019 \u2013 cannot be fully realized,” he wrote.<\/p>\n
According to the BJP, Tharoor\u2019s 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\u2019s remarks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor did not seem to sit well with the Congress leadership.<\/p>\n
In fact, Tharoor was also chosen by the government to lead one of the Indian delegations travelling abroad to convey New Delhi\u2019s message on terror. The Congress had not pushed Tharoor\u2019s name for the delegation despite his experience as a diplomat.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMahima 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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nNovember 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘First Family Is…’: BJP Leader Warns ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nNovember 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> ‘First Family Is…’: BJP Leader Warns ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
November 04, 2025, 11:26 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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