Shashi Tharoor counters historian's criticism on Rahul Gandhi's qualifications for PM post: 'What about... - Moneycontrol.com

Published 6 June 2026 · politics

In a recent interview, Guha expressed doubts about Gandhi’s suitability for the post of Prime Minister, citing his limited governance experience and questioning whether he

In a recent interview, Guha expressed doubts about Gandhi’s suitability for the post of Prime Minister, citing his limited governance experience and questioning whether he possessed the foreign policy expertise required to handle complex global challenges Shashi Tharoor and Rahul Gandhi Shashi Tharoor defends Rahul Gandhi's leadership credentials Tharoor: Obama, Modi had limited prior leadership experience Guha questions Gandhi's suitability for Prime Minister role Did our AI summary help? Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday defended senior party leader Rahul Gandhi after historian and author Ramachandra Guha questioned his political credentials and lack of executive experience. Tharoor argued that many democratic leaders across the world have risen to the highest offices without initially serving in major roles. In a recent interview, Guha expressed doubts about Gandhi’s suitability for the post of Prime Minister, citing his limited governance experience and questioning whether he possessed the foreign policy expertise required to handle complex global challenges.

Guha asked what qualified Gandhi for the role apart from his family background and personal integrity. Reacting to Guha’s comments, Tharoor said it was “a bit much”, while also citing the examples of former US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Come on, Ramachandra Guha, this is a bit much. What experience did Barack Obama, a first-term Senator from Illinois, have in world affairs when he became President of the most powerful country on earth, while it was caught up in multiple global issues? For that matter, how much international exposure did the CM of Gujarat have to manage India’s International relationships?" he wrote. “Rahul Gandhi has led a national party for a dozen years. He has extensive contacts with leaders around the world and no shortage of advisers inside and outside his party.

No President or PM handles crises alone; that’s why he heads a government! I think it’s time to put this overblown controversy to rest,” the Congress MP added further. Come on, @Ram_Guha, this is a bit much. What experience did Barack Obama, a first-term Senator from Illinois, have in world affairs when he became President of the most powerful country on earth, while it was caught up in multiple global issues? For that matter, how much… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 6, 2026 In an interview with The Wire earlier this week, Guha raised doubts about Rahul Gandhi's ability to lead during challenging times, asking what evidence existed to show he could handle a grave and complicated situation with wisdom and composure as Prime Minister.