Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday appreciated the recent interaction between US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. He said the meeting showcased a strong democratic spirit where rivals may campaign aggressively but work together once the election result is final.
Commenting on X, Tharoor wrote, “This is how democracy should work. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it’s over, and the people have spoken, learn to cooperate with each other in the common interests of the nation you are both pledged to serve.”
This is how democracy should work. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it’s over, & the people have spoken, learn to cooperate with each other in the common interests of the nation you are both pledged to serve. I… https://t.co/NwXPZyhn20
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 22, 2025
Calls for Similar Political Tone in India
Tharoor added that he would like to see such democratic maturity in India and said he was “trying to do his part” to promote a respectful political environment. His remarks come at a time when the Congress has adopted a more aggressive stance against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Recent Statements Stir Conversation Within Congress
Just a few days earlier, Tharoor’s comments at the Ramnath Goenka Lecture had raised eyebrows within his own party. He had stated that Prime Minister Modi’s address acted as both an economic vision and a “cultural call to action”. This reaction prompted criticism from senior leaders such as Sandeep Dikshit and Supriya Shrinate, highlighting the strong anti-government messaging currently pushed by the Congress. In this context, Tharoor’s latest remarks may not be universally welcomed within the party.
Trump–Mamdani Meeting Follows Heated Online Clash
The meeting Tharoor referred to carried a striking contrast to the harsh exchange that preceded it. Trump and Mamdani had been involved in a tense back-and-forth on X for weeks, trading sharp and personal remarks. The situation shifted when Mamdani requested a meeting, eventually leading to a cooperative moment at the Oval Office.
Political Rivals Turn Confrontation Into Cooperation
The unexpected development was first made public by Trump, who revealed on Truth Social that he would meet Mamdani on November 21. Despite previously calling Mamdani terms such as “lunatic”, “communist”, and “despot”, their discussion reportedly went smoothly. Trump praised Mamdani’s electoral victory, saying, “He really ran an incredible race against, you know, a lot of smart people… And I congratulated him and we talked about some things in very strong common, like housing and getting housing built, and food, prices and the price of oil is coming way down.”
Focus on Shared Goals for New York
Mamdani agreed with Trump, saying, “The meeting with the president and as he said, it was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City, and the need to deliver affordability to New Yorkers.” When asked about his earlier “fascist” remark towards Trump, the US President light-heartedly cut him off, saying, “That’s OK, you can just say yes, OK? It’s easier. It’s easier than explaining it I don’t mind.” The comment sparked laughter in the Oval Office and highlighted the shift from confrontation to cooperation an example Tharoor believed India could learn from.
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