Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has voiced his support for the growing opposition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, amid protests calling for his resignation. On Monday, Tharoor referenced the renowned Hindi poem ‘Janatantra Ka Janma’ by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, sharing the notable line, “Singhasan khali karo ki janata aati hai” which translates to “Abdicate the throne, for the people are coming to claim it.”

This invocation of the poem adds a historical layer to the ongoing political discourse. In a subsequent post, Tharoor stated, “This government will go,” echoing sentiments previously expressed by Rahul Gandhi. His remarks come as the opposition coalition, known as the INDIA bloc, prepares to march in New Delhi against alleged police brutality and attacks by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters on students and women during a protest on October 10.

While the Congress party has been actively protesting for over a week, Tharoor has largely remained on the periphery of these demonstrations. His recent statements are noteworthy, particularly as he has previously aligned with the BJP-led government’s stance on several matters, including its actions during Operation Sindoor, a military engagement with Pakistan in May 2025.

Political Resonance of Dinkar’s Poem

Tharoor’s post on Monday highlighted Dinkar’s poem as a “Poem of the Day,” linking it to the current political climate. The poem is celebrated for its themes of popular sovereignty and the belief that authority ultimately resides with the populace. The timing of Tharoor’s reference, amid escalating tensions between the opposition and government authorities, imbues his message with significant political weight.

Historically, the lines from Dinkar’s poem have been employed by various leaders during protests, including Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Although Tharoor did not specify whom he was addressing with his metaphorical reference to the throne, it is widely interpreted as a critique of those in power, particularly in light of the ongoing campaign against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Tharoor’s adept use of a well-known Hindi poem, particularly one by a poet of national stature, underscores his literary prowess and highlights the cultural dimensions of contemporary political discourse in India.

Tharoor’s Support for John Brittas

In addition to his comments on the CEC, Tharoor also condemned the treatment of CPI(M) MP John Brittas by the Delhi Police. He expressed his support for Brittas in a post on Sunday, stating, “This is appalling. John Brittas is a respected Parliamentarian and a valued member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.”

Tharoor called for an investigation into the incident, emphasising the need for standards of policing to be maintained in a democracy. His remarks come in the wake of mass protests in New Delhi on October 10, during which several prominent opposition leaders and activists were detained. Among those arrested were former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby.

The protests were sparked by allegations of police violence against students and women during demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Tharoor’s criticisms, combined with his literary references and support for fellow parliamentarians, reflect the intensifying opposition campaign against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. His recent actions indicate a strategic shift towards a more vocal stance within the Congress party, amidst a broader context of political unrest in the nation.

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