Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday invoked a widely circulated interaction between United States President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-designate Zohran Mamdani to highlight the importance of post-election cooperation among political rivals.
Sharing visuals of the meeting on his social media handle, Tharoor wrote: &ldquo;This is how democracy should work. Fight passionately for your point of view in elections, with no rhetorical holds barred. But once it&rsquo;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.&rdquo;
Tharoor&rsquo;s remarks revive an ongoing conversation about civility in Indian politics, following his earlier praise of a speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi despite the PM&rsquo;s strong criticism of the Congress. 
At the time, Tharoor had described acknowledging positive aspects of political opponents as part of a&nbsp;&ldquo;mature democratic approach&rdquo;, sparking mixed reactions within his party.
The latest discussion was prompted by a video showing Trump and Mamdani, an Indian-origin leader set to become New York&rsquo;s mayor, sharing a cordial exchange at the White House. 
After their meeting, Trump expressed confidence in Mamdani&rsquo;s leadership, stating he believed he would be &ldquo;a very good mayor of New York&rdquo; and adding that he would be happy to live in the city during Mamdani&rsquo;s tenure. 
He also noted that many of his own supporters had voted for Mamdani and that &ldquo;Mamdani could surprise critics.&rdquo;
Mamdani said he was committed to working with the White House to improve the quality of life in New York and address key urban challenges.
Tharoor used the example to reinforce his argument that democratic institutions grow stronger when political adversaries are willing to engage and cooperate on public matters. 
His comments have reignited debate on the scope and feasibility of bipartisan politics in an increasingly polarised national environment.
Senior Congress leader and CWC member Ramesh Chennithala declined to comment on Tharoor&rsquo;s statement.
&mdash;IANS

Tharoor highlights Trump–Mamdani meeting for cooperation

Tharoor uses Trump–Mamdani exchange to urge political civility and cross-party cooperation

Tharoor Pushes For Post-Poll Cooperation

Tharoor uses Trump–Mamdani exchange to urge political civility and cross-party cooperation

November 22, 2025 | 21:54 IST