Tharoor Backs Singh Amid RSS Praise Row, Urges Congress Strengthening

By John Pranay (Editor)

A controversy has erupted within the Indian National Congress party over remarks made by senior leader Digvijaya Singh praising the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Singh's comments, which drew sharp reactions from within and outside the party, have sparked debate on internal reforms and decentralisation of power within the Congress. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has come out in support of Singh, stressing the need for discipline and organisational strengthening.

The controversy began on Saturday when Singh shared a 1995 photograph showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated on the floor near senior BJP leader L K Advani. Singh described the image as reflecting how grassroots workers in the RSS and BJP could rise to top positions, calling it the "power of organisation". He later clarified that he remains a strong opponent of the RSS and the BJP, but the remarks drew sharp reactions within the Congress. Tharoor has backed Singh, saying that discipline within the party is essential and that the Congress, with its 140-year history, has much to learn from its own past.

• December 27, 2025: Digvijaya Singh shares a 1995 photograph showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated on the floor near senior BJP leader L K Advani, praising the organisational strength of the RSS.

• December 27, 2025: Singh clarifies that he remains a strong opponent of the RSS and the BJP, but the remarks draw sharp reactions within the Congress.

• December 28, 2025: Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor comes out in support of Singh, stressing the need for discipline and organisational strengthening.

• December 28, 2025: Congress leader Sachin Pilot asserts that the party remains united despite differing opinions.

The Congress party has been reassessing its structure and leadership approach in recent times. The party has a long history, dating back to 1885, and has undergone several transformations over the years. The current controversy is a reflection of the party's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational structure and improve internal discipline. Similar debates have taken place within the party in the past, with leaders calling for reforms and decentralisation of power.

The controversy has highlighted the differing opinions within the Congress party on the issue of organisational strength and internal reforms. Tharoor's support for Singh has been seen as a signal for the party to focus on strengthening its organisational structure and improving internal discipline. The party's leadership, including President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, will play a crucial role in resolving the controversy and moving forward with the party's agenda.

The controversy has the potential to impact the party's morale and unity. If not handled carefully, it could lead to further divisions within the party and undermine its ability to present a united front against the ruling BJP. Regulatory risks include the potential for the party to be seen as weak and divided, while financial risks include the potential for donors to withdraw their support. Physical risks include the potential for protests and demonstrations outside party offices.

Q: What sparked the controversy within the Congress party?

A: Digvijaya Singh's remarks praising the organisational strength of the RSS sparked the controversy.

Q: Who has come out in support of Singh?

A: Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has come out in support of Singh.

Q: What is the party's stance on internal reforms?

A: The party is reassessing its structure and leadership approach, with leaders calling for reforms and decentralisation of power.

Overall, the medium-term sentiment around this story is Neutral.

1. 'Organisation Must Be Strengthened': Shashi Tharoor Backs Digvijaya Singh Amid BJP-RSS Praise Row — https://www.news18.com/politics/organisation-must-be-strengthened-shashi-tharoor-backs-digvijaya-singh-amid-bjp-rss-praise-row-9796359.html

2. Tharoor backs Digvijaya Singh, stresses Congress discipline amid RSS row — https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1302060

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.