Congress leader on Sunday publicly endorsed party colleague ’s central argument that the Congress organisation urgently needs strengthening, especially at the grassroots level. Speaking on the sidelines of the party’s 140th Foundation Day celebrations at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Tharoor said there was “no doubt” about the need to rebuild organisational depth as the party prepares for a sustained political fight against the ruling .

The controversy erupted after Digvijaya Singh praised the organisational discipline and cadre-based rise within the RSS-BJP ecosystem, sharing an old photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pointing out how a grassroots worker rose to become chief minister and prime minister. His remarks triggered unease within the Congress, with critics accusing him of indirectly legitimising the BJP’s ideological structure. Singh later clarified that while he remains fundamentally opposed to the ideology of the RSS, every political organisation—including the Congress—must introspect and strengthen itself to remain electorally relevant.

At the foundation day event, Tharoor was seen seated next to Singh, and confirmed that the two routinely exchange views. He stressed that the anniversary was a moment for reflection on the Congress’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle and democratic journey, while also acknowledging present-day challenges. Senior party leaders, including Supriya Shrinate, Salman Khurshid and Rajiv Shukla, pushed back strongly against any comparison with the , asserting that the Congress does not need lessons from an ideology it fundamentally opposes. The episode has exposed an ongoing internal debate within the Congress—between defending its legacy and confronting the practical need for organisational renewal in an increasingly competitive political landscape.