Shashi Tharoor — the flamboyant novice of Indian politics who got pitch-forked to the corridors of South Block — has got out.
He played a smashing innings that will be remembered for the big hits which got him neither sixes nor fours but just a few singles with great difficulty.
There is no doubt Tharoor walked into the Indian political pitch with great promise, commanding support and encouragement of his bosses. The way he humbled seasoned politicians in Kerala’s political hub in last year’s Lok Sabha election raised hopes of a new beginning for a state overtaken by the inertia of political stereotype and rhetoric.
But before long he began showing signs of getting distracted. Evidently his strengths were getting diverted. He retained the grit and conviction to bat on relentlessly against unfriendly googlies and bouncers. But all his efforts didn’t seem to be fetching him or his team any dividents.
The junor foreign minister was living on the edge. On a few occasions he got himself trapped, but got away with the benefit of doubt. Finally, the innings has ended.
Tharoor’s supporters and well-wishers hope this is just the first innings. He has many more chances to prove his mettle. Whether there will soon be a second innings or not, it may be worthwhile to examine, in retrospect, a few of the mistakes he committed:
1. He should have reaslised he is a greenhorn in Indian politics, which isn’t an easy turf to play on. With the goodwill he earned, he should have made a quiet and steady beginning with the aim of scoring, and not lobbing catches to the opponents.
2. He should have meticulously studied how Indian politics works, evenwhile focusing on his ministerial responsibilities.
3. He should have curbed his proclivity to be judgemental and opinionated. One thought that he was a diplomat, but there weren’t many indications of it.
4. He should have realised that the number of followers on Twitter didn’t mean much in real life. It’s no indication of how many tweeps actually follow him.
5. He should have realised that promoting cricket in Kerala was never his brief; and also that IPL is quite a different ball game altogether. He should have thought twice before padding up for it. Any injury on the field would affect his official work.
Wounded badly, Shashi Tharoor will surely ponder over what lies ahead and which way he should move now. All is not lost for him. His brilliance and scholarship have been proved beyond doubt. And there will be umpteen occasions for him to put them to good use.
There is one mantra he would do well to keep in mind: even if you don’t rub someone the right way, don’t rub them wrong way.
Nicely written. Tharoor is a misfit in the Indian political scenario – he is too polished and cultured.
I agree, Twitter is no big deal and does not reflect your abilities other than your typing skills.
However, I hope that Tharoor bounces back for a fresh innings. He was a nice change from your usual politician. He is more sinned against than sinning I feel.
The truth is that most are still ready to forgive Tharoor
It must his personality/charm and it was something new to Indian politics..
But he should not have disappointed millions, especially the youth who put great hopes on him.
He should have taken care not to be so flippant… nd in the current scandal he has not come clean even if his sins pales against those committed by his counterparts of today and yesteryears.
Well in Indian politics, any rub is bound to be the wrong way unless you’re experienced with its ‘ways and waywardness’. Tharoor certainly hasn’t learnt them yet, as most do agree that he’s too polished/charming/educated for Indian politics.
Not many of us were expecting him to give us the Moon or transform his constituency in good ol’ kerala into an benchmark of development and worldclass facilities. We expected a certain transparency, accountability and credibility, in which he did let us down. I am no Tharoor-basher but yes he’d yet to come clean. He’s yet to bare it all and say it all.
Until then…good luck, and definitely would like to see him return for another innings, more prepared to face the balls and strike them right.
A flamboyant person, Taroor’s charisma put every politician on the edge. All of them wanted him OUT. He should come back ‘clean’ and more vigilant, India needs him…. woods r lovely dark and deep…. miles to go before I sleep…
All politicians make mistakes.
I think the first mistake Tharoor made was getting into politics.
The second was not revealing his special interest in Sunanda even before the Kochi IPL came up. Why keep it a secret anyway?
Yesterday a 60+ grandma from his constituency said:”Who cares if he is a minister or not? And who’s interested in the IPL? All we want to do is keep gazing at his face”!!!!!
Let’s see what kind of reception he gets when he comes back to Trivandrum.
sunanda’s decision to return her sweat equity in the kochi franchise is a confirmation on tharoor’s involvement in the team management??
Are we consumed more by his aura than his intrinsic merit? Is it another example of India’s penchant to wallow in the very ordinary, not having stomach for the good and the bright? This, let me make it clear, is not in defence of Tharoor, but in defence of the Other who have made a difference to Indian politics. We’re short on debate, high on action. The Congress action under pressure will wilt thousands of voices which may speak new ideas, new thoughts.
Well said. As a writer, I always admired Tharoor and his book, “The Great Indian Novel” remains a masterpiece, a recommended reading. Maybe because of this, I had huge expectations from him, in the role of a minister. Afterall, he had everything — great education, good experience as a diplomat, 30 years of UN experience.
Where Tharoor failed, I feel, is that he assumed the same freedom that he enjoyed in UN would be available in the political setup of the nation. He made the right choice, starting with a party that has the right democratic environment, he should have realized that it too, had its own limitations.
Lastly, there is this one mantra which I feel can be applied anywhere to anyone — Instead of criticizing the system or rebelling against it, be a part of a system, be successful using the ways of the system, reach a point of authority and power and then change what you initially felt was not right.
What a way to end his political misery. Well, it had to happen.
his biggest mistake was bringing in sue menon into the picture..
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