Sun Dec 28 09:46:25 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article suitable for publication by The Hindu:
Summary:
On the 140th anniversary of the Indian National Congress, senior party leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Digvijaya Singh emphasized the need to strengthen the party organization at the grassroots level. This comes after Singh praised the organizational power of the RSS-BJP, drawing criticism and prompting further discussion about the Congress’s approach. Other Congress leaders, like Supriya Shrinate, defended the party’s ideology and rejected any notion of learning from the RSS. The anniversary was commemorated at the Congress’s Indira Bhawan headquarters.
News Article:
Congress Leaders Call for Organizational Strengthening on 140th Anniversary
New Delhi, December 28, 2025: On the 140th anniversary of the Indian National Congress (INC), prominent party leaders have underscored the importance of strengthening the party’s organizational structure, particularly at the grassroots level. The call comes amidst internal discussions sparked by remarks from senior leader Digvijaya Singh, who recently lauded the organizational capabilities of the RSS-BJP.
Speaking at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhawan, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his support for strengthening the Congress organisation, stating, “The organisation should be strengthened, there is no doubt.” Mr. Tharoor was seen exchanging notes with Digvijaya Singh who ahead of the CWC meet had raised the issue of strengthening the Congress organisation at the grassroots level, asserting it was much needed in the fight against the ruling BJP and to oust it from power.
Mr. Singh’s earlier comments, praising the RSS-BJP’s organizational prowess, had generated some debate within the party. He highlighted how a worker from grassroot level went on to become the Chief Minister and Prime Minister. While Singh maintained that he fundamentally opposes the RSS-BJP ideology, his observations triggered discussions about the Congress’s own organizational effectiveness.
Other Congress leaders have responded to the debate. Supriya Shrinate refuted the implication that the Congress should learn from the RSS, stating, “The Sangh, which spreads hatred and gets inspiration from the ideology of Godse…we don’t need to learn anything from them. We are the Indian National Congress, and we fought the freedom struggle.”
Senior leader Salman Khurshid echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Congress has much to offer and does not need to emulate the RSS. Another leader, Rajiv Shukla, expressed confidence in the enduring strength of the Congress’s foundation.
The 140th anniversary event provided an opportunity for the party to reflect on its history and contributions to the nation. “Today marks the 140th anniversary of the founding of the Indian National Congress, an organisation that played a pivotal role in leading India’s struggle for independence from British rule,” Mr. Tharoor posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The focus on organizational strength suggests that the Congress is looking to bolster its position as a major political force as it faces the challenges of a changing political landscape.
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