Tharoor cites Trump–Mamdani exchange, says 'this is how democracy should work'

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has reignited political discussion by sharing visuals of the interaction between United States President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-designate Zohran Mamdani, using the moment to highlight the importance of post-election cooperation between political adversaries in India.

Posting the video on his social media page, Tharoor remarked, “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. I would love to see more of this in India -- and am trying to do my part."

His comments come in the backdrop of an earlier controversy when he drew attention for lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech, despite the PM having strongly criticised the Congress in the same context.

At the time, Tharoor asserted that acknowledging positive actions and respecting the Prime Minister’s office formed part of a “mature democratic approach”, a view that caused unease within parts of his party even as others appreciated his call for political courtesy.

Tharoor’s latest remarks were prompted by a widely shared clip of Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani — the Indian-origin incoming Mayor of New York — engaging in a warm conversation at the White House.

Following the interaction, Trump said he believed Mamdani would make “a very good mayor of New York”, noting that he would even be willing to reside in the city during Mamdani’s tenure. He added that several of his own supporters had backed Mamdani as well, and that “Mamdani could surprise critics”.

Mamdani responded by stating his intention to collaborate with the White House to improve living standards in New York and tackle major urban issues.

Using the exchange as an example, Tharoor reiterated his long-standing appeal for constructive engagement among political opponents, arguing that democratic institutions become stronger when rivals work jointly on issues of national interest.

His comments have once again triggered debate over the possibilities of bipartisan cooperation within India’s increasingly divided political environment. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and CWC member Ramesh Chennithala chose not to react to Tharoor’s latest statement.