Statement of Shashi Tharoor: There are differences with Congress, will discuss within party
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor told on Thursday that he has some differences with the party, but will not utter these words openly, but will discuss it within the party at the appropriate time. He said,
I have been with the Congress party for the past 16 years. My view on certain things is different from the party, but I will raise them within the party. Now is not the time to talk. First I need to meet some leaders and speak, then I will make my point at the appropriate time.”
Tharoor has recently traveled to America, wherein he headed a pass-party delegation of MPs. The cause of the visit became to show off India’s ‘zero tolerance’ technique closer to terrorism globally.
Tharoor made it clear that his dialogue with the Prime Minister become inside the context of the cross-birthday party delegation of MPs and no political query was raised in it. He stated,
“When the nation calls for us, it is the responsibility of each one of us to side with the nation. Whenever the nation calls for my service, I will always be available.”
Operation Sindoor statement and controversy in Congress
Tharoor’s touch upon Operation Sindoor created a wave of discontent inside the party. Speaking to the Indian-American network in New York, he turned into in desire of India’s navy campaign, which was carried out in retaliation in opposition to the April 22 terrorist assault on Pahalgam. He said,
“I may be from the opposition, but when I represent India abroad, I speak for my country, not for any party.””
Tharoor told another event in Panama that Operation Sindoor is indicative of a shift in India’s defense policy. “This is for the first time that India ventured across the Line of Control (LoC) targeting terror launch pads. Not even during the Kargil war did India venture across the LoC.”
His statement infuriated a few senior Congress leaders.
Pawan Khera posted an antique clip wherein ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is stating that a massive range of surgical strikes have been performed during the UPA regime. He tagged Tharoor with this clip however did not say something himself — it was greater of a silent remark.
Jairam Ramesh additionally protested towards Tharoor’s participation within the government delegation and said that every one this became a reasonably-priced political stunt of the Modi government in which no consultation become sought from the Congress. He tweeted, “Congress will by no means hunch to the extent of BJP and the Prime Minister.”
Udit Raj even sarcastically suggested appointing Shashi Tharoor “Super Spokesperson of BJP”. He tweeted on X,
Dear Shashi Tharoor, I wish the Prime Minister would announce you as the Foreign Minister before you come back to India. How did you justify that India never crossed the LoC prior to PM Modi?”
Congress differences are nothing new
This is not for the first time that Shashi Tharoor’s view has been dissimilar from the party. Earlier this year, he lauded the Left government of Kerala in an article, and again a fuss was created in the party with speculations about his future in politics.
Since Kerala Assembly elections are to be carried out in May 2026, the controversy were given stronger whether Tharoor can defect to another birthday celebration.
But Tharoor has firmly denied those rumors and stated that he has no ideological comparison with the BJP and he’ll no longer be becoming a member of it.
Tharoor’s clarification: Now is the time to concentrate on the mission, not the debate
When certain Congress leaders queried him, Tharoor informed the media that this is not the time for debate, but to concentrate on his mission. He said,
“We are representing the nation today. Criticism and comments are natural in a democracy, but at this juncture our entire attention should be focused on the nations we have toured and the message that we have to deliver there. When we come back to India, we shall discuss this at great length within the party and with the media.”
Conclusion
Internal rifts have arisen within the Congress in reaction to Shashi Tharoor’s recent utterances and foreign trip. Though Tharoor indicates that he is serving the country’s interest and will settle his differences with the party at the right moment, some party seniors view his utterances against the reputation of the Congress.
From a political point of view, this is a sensitive time when it is not easy to maintain a balance between party discipline and personal expression.
Tharoor is a seasoned leader and he too has asserted that he is ideologically distinct from the BJP and will not join it. Now, it remains to be seen in which direction this alliance between Congress and Tharoor is headed in the next few months.
FAQs
What did Shashi Tharoor say about his differences with Congress?
He acknowledged having differences with Congress but said he would discuss them internally at the appropriate time, not publicly now.
Why was Shashi Tharoor criticised within the Congress party?
He supported India’s military action abroad, which some Congress leaders felt downplayed the party’s own historical contributions to national security.
What was Operation Sindoor and why did it cause controversy?
Tharoor praised Operation Sindoor, highlighting India’s LoC crossing, prompting backlash for ignoring similar past actions under the UPA government.
June 19, 2025