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'In many ways, Covid saved India'

April 17, 2023 09:34 IST

In many ways, Shashi Tharoor pointed out, COVID-19 saved the country as the Narendra D Modi's entire legislative momentum was stalled by the urgent need to tackle the pandemic.

IMAGE: Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor at the Mumbai Press Club event. All Photographs and videos: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com

On Saturday, April 15, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor visted the Mumbai Press Club for an interactive session on 'The need for an independent media as a vital link for democracy'.

Tharoor declared that intimidation of the media was a legitimate issue, and if he has a voice in the Congress manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, he would certainly suggest that this should be made an issue with his party would guaranteeing the freedom of the media and non-interference in its functioning.

IMAGE: Dr Tharoor flanked by Mumbai Press Club President Ayaz Memon, left, and President, All India Professionals Congress Mathew Antony.

Tharoor stated there is a "serious undermining" of every autonomous institution right across the spectrum and it seems the government has only the "loyalty" criterion before appointing individuals to head these institutions.

IMAGE: Dr Tharoor, as eloquent as always at the event.

The three-time MP from Thiruvanathapuram said before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he had warned that victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party would result in an attempt to create a "Hindu Pakistan".

In the first few months after the BJP government stormed to power in 2019, he noted he "wasn't far off" from his prediction as the government brought a legislation on triple talaq and the abolition of special provisions of Article 370.

IMAGE: Dr Tharoor greets the audience.

In many ways, he pointed out, COVID-19 saved the country as the Narendra D Modi's entire legislative momentum was stalled by the urgent need to tackle the pandemic.

Referring to the Election Commission, he said there was a time when governments appeared to respect the autonomy of autonomous institutions by appointing individuals known for their independence and integrity and cited examples of then Chief Election Commissioners T N Seshan and J M Lyndoh.

IMAGE: Dr Tharoor signs autographs for an attendee.

Calling the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a Lok Sabha member worrying, Tharoor said the legislature has been reduced to either a "notice board" for the government or a "rubber stamp".

Watch: Videos From The Event...

Shashi Tharoor: 'I'm worried about our democracy'

Shashi Tharoor on muzzling the media

Shashi Tharoor on Rahul Gandhi ridiculing a journalist

Shashi Tharoor on his son's future as a journalist in America

Reportage: PTI

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com

HITESH HARISINGHANI