Tharoor clarifies attendance at Mumbai event with RSS chief Bhagwat

Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has clarified his participation in an upcoming Mumbai event, addressing social media queries about his presence at a program where Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is slated to interact with young students.

Tharoor, who is a board member of India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), the organization hosting the event, explained that he would attend the latter two days of the program, specifically August 7th and 8th. He emphasized his belief in freedom of expression and stated he would chair the board meeting and related events. Bhagwat's session with "Gen Z" students is scheduled for August 6th, a day Tharoor will be in Delhi attending parliamentary sessions.

The RSS, the parent body of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is organizing this outreach to young people shortly after student protests concerning government policies. Tharoor's involvement comes amid his own vocal criticism of government actions, including expressing concern over police action against protesters.

The event, commemorating IIMUN's 15th anniversary, is expected to draw over 2,000 high school students to the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. The advisory board for IIMUN includes prominent figures such as Ajay Piramal, Deepak Parekh, Nadir Godrej, and Justice DY Chandrachud. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has questioned the focus on engaging with Gen Z, particularly in light of recent actions against student protesters.

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I believe in freedom of expression and will chair their Board meeting and events on 7th & 8th. Mr Bhagwat will meet them on 6th when I am in Delhi for Parliament.