Shashi Tharoor Uses Munir Niazi Poem To Criticize PM Modi

Shashi Tharoor recently invoked the works of the late Munir Niazi to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the ongoing row over the NEET paper leak. By quoting the verse “Hamesha der kar deta hoon main” (I am always late), the Congress leader aimed to emphasize the government's perceived failure to act promptly on the recurring examination irregularities. Tharoor, known for his literary approach to political discourse, used the classic Urdu and Punjabi lines to frame the administration’s response as belated and inadequate.

Munir Niazi is widely celebrated as a distinctive voice in modern poetry, recognized for themes of melancholic introspection and the relentless passage of time. Tharoor’s choice of poetry reflects a broader trend among political figures who use historical and artistic references to amplify their messaging during intense national controversies. This strategy serves to highlight the perceived gravity of the situation while framing the political opponent as being out of touch with the urgency felt by the public.

The use of such cultural shorthand underscores the intensifying rhetorical battle over the educational crisis. While the criticism focuses on the administration’s response time, it also highlights the government's difficulty in controlling the narrative surrounding widespread student anger. By linking the government's inaction to the poetic theme of missed timing, the Opposition is positioning the issue as a failure of leadership, ensuring that the NEET controversy remains at the forefront of the national political conversation.