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Manickam Tagore


B. Manickam Tagore (born 1 June 1975) is an Indian politician and affiliated with the , currently serving as a Member of Parliament in the from the constituency in . Elected to the in 2009, he lost the seat in 2014 but reclaimed it in the 2019 and 2024 general elections, marking his third term as of 2025. Holding a B.A. and L.L.B. from , Tagore practices as an and , with two sons. In , he maintains high attendance at 99% and has participated in 39 debates while raising 124 questions, focusing on issues such as electoral reforms, welfare of backward classes, and urban housing. As Congress in the and AICC in-charge for , he has been vocal in opposing government policies, including motions on parliamentary procedures and historical commemorations.

Early Life and Background

Family and Upbringing

B. Manickam Tagore was born on 1 June 1975 in , , to Baheeratha Nachiappan, a school teacher of , and Kausalya. His father named him in honor of his grandfather Manickambalam and adopted the surname Tagore out of admiration for . Tagore grew up near , in a modest family environment shaped by his father's educational profession.

Education and Early Career

Tagore earned a and (B.A., LL.B.) from in , completing his studies around 1998. He relocated to in 1994 specifically to pursue his . Prior to his full entry into electoral politics, Tagore practiced as an advocate, including an internship in with a senior advocate starting in 1997. His professional background also encompassed , reflecting family ties to agrarian activities in . This period involved legal consultancy and advocacy work, primarily based in .

Entry into Politics

Initial Involvement with Indian National Congress

Manickam Tagore's initial engagement with the occurred through its student affiliate, the (NSUI), where he began his political activities in 1994 as district general secretary in . By 1995, he advanced to membership in the state NSUI committee, followed by election as general secretary of the NSUI unit in 1996. In 1997, Tagore was appointed general secretary of the All India NSUI, a position he held until becoming of the organization in 1999, marking his transition to national-level roles within the ecosystem. This progression reflected his early focus on student mobilization and organizational work, aligning with the party's strategy of nurturing youth leaders through its frontal organizations. Subsequently, from 2003 to 2005, Tagore served as general secretary of the (IYC), the party's , further solidifying his grassroots involvement before contesting elections. These roles emphasized administrative and cadre-building functions rather than public-facing campaigns, providing him foundational experience in party operations in and beyond.

Pre-Electoral Roles

Manickam Tagore began his political involvement with the through its student wing, the (NSUI), in 1994, serving as District General Secretary in . In 1995, he became a member of the State NSUI committee. By 1996, he advanced to General Secretary of the NSUI in , followed by his election as All India General Secretary of NSUI in 1997 and Vice President in 1999. Tagore transitioned to the (IYC), the party's youth organization, where he held the position of General Secretary from 2003 to 2005. In 2006, he was appointed Chairman of the Central Election Authority, overseeing electoral processes within the IYC. These organizational roles involved mobilizing youth support, coordinating student and , and managing internal party and nationally, building his base in ahead of his parliamentary candidacy.

Electoral History

2009 Lok Sabha Election

Manickam Tagore, then 34 years old, was selected by the as its candidate for the in the 2009 general election, marking his electoral debut. The , allied with the (DMK) in under the (UPA), fielded him amid a competitive landscape where the (MDMK), led by , contested independently as part of the Third Front. Polling occurred on May 16, 2009, with results declared on May 23, 2009. Tagore secured victory with 307,187 votes (40.0% of the valid votes polled), defeating , who received 291,423 votes (37.9%), by a margin of 15,764 votes. The third-placed candidate, of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), polled 125,229 votes (16.3%). This win contributed to the UPA's sweep in , where the Congress-DMK alliance captured 27 of the state's 39 seats, reflecting voter preference for national incumbency over regional issues like the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict, which had emphasized in his campaign. Tagore's selection was reportedly influenced by , highlighting the party's push for younger leaders in southern constituencies.

2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha Elections

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, conducted on April 24, Manickam Tagore represented the (INC) as the candidate for the constituency in . He polled 38,482 votes, equivalent to 3.8% of the total valid votes, placing behind the winner T. Radhakrishnan of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), who secured 406,694 votes (40.2%), as well as candidates from the (MDMK) and others. The AIADMK-led alliance dominated , winning 37 of the state's 39 seats amid a broader national shift toward the Bharatiya Janata Party-led . Tagore's performance reflected the INC's weak showing in the state, where it failed to secure any seats independently. Tagore recontested the Virudhunagar seat in the elections, held on April 18 as part of the second phase. Running under the banner in alliance with the (DMK)-led , he won with 470,883 votes, defeating R. Alagarsamy of the (DMDK), who received 316,329 votes, by a margin of 154,554 votes. The victory marked a turnaround for Tagore and the in the constituency, bolstered by the alliance's strong regional coordination against the AIADMK-BJP combine, which captured only one seat in overall. Voter turnout in Virudhunagar was approximately 70.5%, with 28 candidates in the fray. This success positioned Tagore for continued parliamentary tenure, emphasizing his role in the opposition's renewed presence in southern .

Post-2019 Developments

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Tagore secured re-election from the constituency, defeating candidate Vijayaprabhakaran by a narrow margin of approximately 6,000 votes, with Tagore receiving 385,256 votes to his opponent's 379,256. This victory marked his third consecutive term as , amid a competitive race involving candidates from the and other parties, reflecting sustained local support for in the region despite national challenges for the party. Following his re-election, Tagore maintained his role as a Whip in the , actively participating in parliamentary proceedings with high attendance rates, including 100% in the Budget Session 2024 and Special Session 2023. He raised concerns over electoral processes, submitting an adjournment motion in August 2025 to discuss revisions to Bihar's electoral rolls, alleging potential disenfranchisement of voters, and another on allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft) in various states. Tagore continued critiquing the central government's policies, writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2025 about the omission of OBC reservations in Indian Council of Agricultural Research recruitment notifications, urging rectification to ensure equitable representation. In the same month, he accused the government of advancing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideology through Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal communities, claiming it undermined secular education. Earlier, in April 2025, he urged Modi during a Sri Lanka visit to reclaim Katchatheevu island, citing its misuse against Indian fishermen and referencing a Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution. Within the Indian National Congress, Tagore advocated for stronger alliances ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, stating in September 2025 that actor-turned-politician Vijay represented a key challenger to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-Bharatiya Janata Party dynamics, while emphasizing respect for Congress as a prerequisite for chief ministerial candidacy in potential coalitions. He also defended party leaders, countering Supreme Court remarks on Rahul Gandhi's China incursion allegations in August 2025 by asserting the right to question judicial loyalty when national security is at stake. In March 2025, the Madras High Court dismissed his plea to reject an election petition challenging his 2024 win, filed by the late Vijayakant's widow, allowing the case to proceed.

Parliamentary Positions and Roles

Tenure as Member of Parliament

Manickam Tagore served his first term as a in the from constituency during the , from May 2009 to May , representing the . Following electoral defeats in and , he was re-elected in the 2024 general election, securing 385,256 votes, and began his second term in the 18th in June 2024. In his current tenure, Tagore has recorded a 99% attendance rate across sessions, including 100% in the Budget Session 2024 and 2023. He participated in 39 debates, surpassing the average of 13.5, and raised 124 questions, above the average of 65, focusing on issues such as infrastructure in and national policy concerns. Tagore introduced no private member's bills during this period. Tagore has served on parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs (2024-25) and previously the Committee on Subordinate Legislation. His legislative activities emphasize opposition scrutiny and constituency development, consistent with his role in parliamentary strategy.

Role as Congress Whip

Manickam Tagore was appointed as a whip of the Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha on July 10, 2019, alongside , to assist K. Suresh in floor management and party coordination. In this capacity, Tagore participated in daily morning meetings of MPs to strategize on parliamentary proceedings and ensure adherence to the party's positions. He retained the role through the (2019–2024) and was reappointed in the 18th Lok Sabha following the 2024 elections, reflecting his consistent involvement in opposition coordination amid the Indian National Congress's limited seating. As a whip, Tagore's responsibilities included enforcing , mobilizing MPs for key votes, and raising procedural notices to highlight opposition concerns. For instance, on December 2, 2024, he submitted an adjournment motion in the demanding discussion on U.S. bribery allegations against the , citing public interest and accusing the central government of evading investigation. Similarly, in July 2025, he filed an adjournment motion notice addressing disruptions in parliamentary functioning, emphasizing the need for the Leader of Opposition to speak on issues like the Pahalgam attack and Special Investment Region policies. Tagore leveraged his whip position to critique government policies and advocate for specific reforms. In July 2025, he questioned the rollout of a new attendance tracking system, labeling it "flawed" for exempting the and ministers while burdening ordinary MPs. On September 25, 2025, he urged to defer education loan repayments by five years for students returning from the U.S. without H-1B visas, framing it as support for facing visa uncertainties. These interventions underscore his role in channeling party priorities into parliamentary action, often targeting perceived executive overreach or policy gaps.

Key Political Activities and Stances

Criticisms of Central Government

Manickam Tagore has frequently criticized the BJP-led for its handling of educational examinations, particularly alleging systemic failures in the NEET-UG process. In June 2024, he joined leader in submitting an adjournment motion notice in the to discuss alleged irregularities, including paper leaks and irregularities affecting over 2.4 million students who appeared for the exam on May 5, 2024. Tagore accused the (NTA) of lacking integrity and demanded accountability from the government for compromising the futures of aspirants, emphasizing that such lapses undermine in medical admissions. He further highlighted these issues during the Budget Session in 2024, arguing that the opposition was not allowed adequate parliamentary time to scrutinize the government's response. Tagore has targeted the central government's economic policies, notably describing proposed GST reforms announced in September 2025 as mere "corrections" to the "wrongdoings" of the Union government rather than genuine revolutionary changes. He has also raised concerns over reservation policies, writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2025 about the omission of OBC quotas in the latest Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recruitment notifications, which he viewed as discriminatory against marginalized communities. On federalism and electoral processes, Tagore accused the government of secrecy regarding delimitation exercises tied to the upcoming census, stating in March 2025 that this opacity erodes trust in democratic institutions. He further alleged in August 2025 that the BJP engaged in "vote theft through scientific means" in Bengaluru Central constituency elections, labeling it a threat to democracy across states. In parliamentary functioning and institutional misuse, Tagore has claimed the central government systematically obstructs House proceedings to avoid scrutiny on key issues like electoral reforms, as stated in August 2025. He accused the administration of weaponizing agencies such as the CBI, ED, and Income Tax Department against opposition leaders, citing this as evidence of authoritarian tendencies in an August 2024 statement. Tagore also critiqued Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy in July 2025, using a historical Chola reference to highlight alleged intelligence failures vis-à-vis China and Pakistan, and questioned Modi's silence on international claims like a Trump-proposed ceasefire. These remarks reflect his broader contention that the government prioritizes political narratives over substantive governance.

Advocacy on Specific Issues

Tagore has advocated for improved access to real-time market price data for farmers, raising questions in on March 25, 2025, about mechanisms to ensure timely information for agricultural produce pricing. He has criticized policies as inherently anti-farmer, moving an adjournment motion on August 1, 2024, to discuss budget measures perceived as detrimental to agricultural interests. Additionally, on December 17, 2024, he sought parliamentary discussion on the ongoing by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, emphasizing the need for government engagement with protesting farmers despite their refusal of medical aid. In , Tagore has opposed the integration of what he describes as RSS-influenced content into tribal schools, accusing the on October 23, 2025, of undermining modern scientific through such initiatives. He has also questioned aspects of pre-school availability in parliamentary queries dated July 26, 2021, highlighting gaps in programs. On labor and , Tagore co-advocated with on December 4, 2024, for legislative protections for gig workers, demanding fair wages, job security, and better working conditions amid rising platform-based vulnerabilities. He further alleged on October 7, 2025, that revisions to MGNREGA norms represented a shift away from supporting rural poor, labeling it as an imposition akin to that erodes the scheme's original 100-day guarantee for households. Tagore has pushed for upholding OBC reservations in scientific institutions, writing to Prime Minister Modi on October 3, 2025, about the omission of such quotas in ICAR recruitment notifications, urging adherence to constitutional provisions to prevent exclusion of backward classes.

Internal Party Contributions

Manickam Tagore has undertaken several organizational roles within the (), focusing on state-level revival and coordination efforts. In September 2020, he was appointed as an (AICC) general secretary responsible for affairs, succeeding R.C. Khuntia in overseeing the party's activities in the state. This position involved strategizing to strengthen Congress's organizational base amid competition from regional parties. In December 2023, Tagore was designated as the INC's in-charge for , a role aimed at resuscitating the party's fortunes following its poor performance in prior elections. He actively participated in rallies and protests in districts such as and Nellimarla, collaborating with local leaders like former PCC president to capitalize on the YSR Congress Party's declining influence. Tagore expressed optimism about 's prospects in the state, attributing potential gains to the opposition's disarray post-2024 elections. Tagore's internal contributions extend to higher party bodies, including his membership in the (CWC), where he participates in policy and strategic deliberations. He has also been involved in broader organizational appointments announced by the in March 2025, underscoring his role in cadre management and leadership transitions. These efforts reflect his alignment with party high command directives, often prioritizing discipline and unity over public dissent.

Controversies and Criticisms

Accusations Against Institutions

Manickam Tagore has repeatedly accused central investigative agencies, particularly the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), of being weaponized by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government to target opposition leaders and shield allies. In December 2024, he moved adjournment motions in the Lok Sabha to debate the agencies' functioning, highlighting their issuance of clean chits to figures such as N. Chandrababu Naidu and Ajit Pawar in high-profile cases, which he described as evidence of a "washing machine" mechanism that exonerates those aligning with the ruling party. He argued that such actions undermine the agencies' credibility and independence, urging the government to explain the basis for these decisions. In March 2025, Tagore labeled the ED the "pet dog" of and , alleging its raids on opposition figures, such as former , served political vendettas rather than legitimate enforcement. Earlier, in April 2022, he claimed the had "lost its independent views" under government pressure, citing its handling of cases as indicative of authoritarian control, and called for agencies to resist political interference in line with judicial observations. Tagore extended similar charges to the and other bodies in February 2023, asserting they facilitated the Adani Group's interests through selective raids and case registrations that spared the conglomerate while harassing competitors. Tagore has also leveled accusations against the (ECI), portraying it as a tool for partisan harassment. In October 2025, he criticized the ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in as a mechanism to disenfranchise the poor and vulnerable, particularly in strongholds, by imposing burdensome verification processes ahead of local polls. These claims align with broader opposition narratives on institutional , though Tagore's statements often frame them as systemic erosion under the current regime without providing independent corroboration beyond party lines.

Legal and Electoral Challenges

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, B. Manickam Tagore secured victory in the constituency with 5,39,425 votes against the (DMDK) candidate, who received approximately 3,02,232 votes. Shortly after, on April 22, 2024, the dismissed a by local voter R. Selvakumar seeking Tagore's disqualification, which alleged corrupt practices including the filing of two papers in violation of electoral norms; the court found no merit in the claims and upheld his candidacy. A more substantive electoral challenge emerged from DMDK candidate's representative V. Vijaya Prabhakaran, son of the late party founder , who filed an election in the contesting Tagore's win on grounds of irregularities in postal ballot counting, including rejected votes and potential tampering. The demanded a full recount of all postal ballots cast in . On March 4, 2025, the court rejected Tagore's application under Order VII Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure to dismiss the outright, ruling that the allegations warranted and directing the case to proceed to . Tagore subsequently approached the with an interlocutory application (IA No. 97211/2025) in April 2025, seeking transfer or further relief in the matter, though no final resolution has been reported as of October 2025; the remains pending, highlighting ongoing disputes over the integrity of the process in the constituency. No criminal convictions or other major against Tagore have been documented in relation to his electoral record.

Responses to Internal Party Tensions

In June 2025, tensions within the Indian National Congress escalated when MP Shashi Tharoor posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) depicting a bird with the caption "Don't ask permission to fly. Freedom isn't free," interpreted by party members as a critique of internal restrictions on dissent. Manickam Tagore, a loyalist to the party's high command, responded the next day with his own metaphor: "Even a free bird must watch the skies—predators wear patriotism as feathers," signaling caution against perceived threats from within and implying Tharoor's independence risked party unity. This exchange highlighted Tagore's role in enforcing discipline amid speculation of factional rifts, particularly over Tharoor's occasional praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and deviations from the Congress narrative on historical events. The discord intensified in July 2025 following Tharoor's column in a national daily reflecting on the imposed by , which some in viewed as softening criticism of the period and echoing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) talking points. Tagore publicly swiped back on , questioning if the "bird [was] becoming a parrot?"—a reference to Tharoor mimicking opposition —and accused him of "repeating BJP lines" that undermined the party's stance against . These responses underscored Tagore's alignment with Rahul Gandhi's leadership, positioning him as a against perceived internal saboteurs, though critics within the party argued such public spats eroded cohesion ahead of key electoral battles. Tagore's interventions extended to defending the high command's authority in alliance negotiations, as seen in his July 2025 rebuttal to intra-party voices advocating ties with parties like (VCK) allies perceived as ideologically flexible toward the BJP. He questioned how could align with entities "that stood with Modi from the beginning," emphasizing national ideological consistency over regional factional gains, particularly in where state-level disputes simmered. This stance reinforced his reputation for prioritizing centralized discipline, even as grappled with leadership vacuums and calls for restructuring, without Tagore directly critiquing the state unit's president . Overall, Tagore's responses framed internal dissent as a vulnerability exploited by external predators, advocating vigilance to preserve the party's anti-BJP front.

Recent Developments (2024–2025)

Statements on State Politics

In October 2025, Manickam Tagore asserted that only individuals who accord due respect to the could aspire to the Chief Minister's position in , amid the party's efforts to secure a more favorable seat-sharing arrangement with its alliance partner, the DMK, ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. This statement underscored Congress's intent to assert greater influence within the , reflecting ongoing negotiations over electoral alliances in the state. In September 2025, Tagore described actor-turned-politician and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as the primary challenger to the bloc in , while indicating openness to a potential due to Vijay's opposition to the BJP. He observed that Vijay's critiques primarily targeted the DMK and BJP as the entities in power, and affirmed that routine seat-sharing talks with the DMK would be finalized by high command, expressing confidence in an victory in 2026. In a March 2025 interview, Tagore opposed the central government's coercive enforcement of policies on states, specifically criticizing the withholding of ₹2,152 in funds under the PM-SHRI scheme to compel adherence to the National Education Policy's . He endorsed promoting all Indian languages but rejected imposing on , noting the state Congress's preference for a two-language approach over the DMK's more resolute anti-Hindi stance, while attributing the policy friction to central insensitivity rather than state resistance alone. Regarding delimitation, Tagore advocated for internal party deliberations to address diverse state interests, highlighting the government's opaque methodology and referencing DMK-led protests against it.

Parliamentary Interventions

Manickam Tagore has demonstrated high engagement in the 18th , maintaining a 99% attendance rate across sessions from June 2024 onward, surpassing the national average of 87%. He participated in 39 debates, exceeding the national average of 13.5, and posed 124 questions, above the national average of 65, primarily addressing constituency-specific development in , such as railway infrastructure and initiatives, alongside broader national concerns like and fiscal allocations. Tagore frequently utilized parliamentary tools to scrutinize government policies, including multiple adjournment motions in 2025 on the Commission's Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in . On July 22, 2025, he submitted a motion highlighting risks of disproportionate voter deletions in opposition-held areas, followed by further notices on August 3 and August 4, alleging the process could undermine democratic fairness ahead of state elections. In debates, on July 3, 2025, Tagore questioned Modi's silence on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's claims of brokering a between and , emphasizing Parliament's role in democratic discourse. He also gave an adjournment notice on July 24, 2024, to discuss perceived neglect of in the Union Budget, focusing on inadequate allocations for state infrastructure. Tagore contributed to legislative discussions, including remarks during the consideration of the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, on April 1, 2025, advocating for streamlined maritime regulations to benefit coastal economies. On December 5, 2024, as whip, he wrote to Speaker urging action against BJP MP for allegedly slanderous statements, underscoring procedural accountability. His interventions often align with opposition priorities, such as media access restrictions raised in July 2024 and demands for grants scrutiny in July 2024, reflecting efforts to hold the executive accountable through parliamentary mechanisms.