Amidst swirling speculation about a growing rift within the Indian National Congress, party MP Shashi Tharoor has responded to queries regarding his recent cryptic social media post that has been widely interpreted as a veiled message to the party's leadership. Speaking to reporters at an event in Ahmedabad on Saturday, Tharoor addressed the controversy, stating that any issues within the party would be discussed privately.

The controversy began when Tharoor posted an image of a bird on X, accompanied by the caption: "Don't ask permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one". This post was made shortly after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge indirectly criticized Tharoor for his perceived closeness to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his praise of the government's efforts during Operation Sindoor. Kharge had stated that while the party believes in "nation first," some individuals seemed to prioritize "Modi first, country later".

Tharoor's initial post drew a response from fellow Congress MP Manickam Tagore, who shared his own "bird" post, seemingly directed at Tharoor. Tagore's message warned that "even a free bird must watch the skies—hawks, vultures, and 'eagles' are always hunting. Freedom isn't free, especially when the predators wear patriotism as feathers". He also shared a chart of predatory birds. This exchange further fueled speculation about a deepening divide within the Congress party.

The roots of the tension can be traced back to Tharoor's participation in an all-party parliamentary delegation for Operation Sindoor, a government initiative. Tharoor's subsequent praise for Modi's "energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage" as assets for India on the global stage, further irked some party leaders. The Prime Minister's Office also amplified the situation by sharing an article penned by Tharoor.

Despite the criticism and speculation, Tharoor has maintained that his remarks were made in the national interest and did not signify any alignment with the BJP. He has also refuted claims that his participation in the government delegation should be seen as him "leaping to join" the BJP.

Kharge, when asked about potential disciplinary action against Tharoor, had previously stated that the party did not want to waste time on the issue and was focused on national unity. He also commented on Tharoor's command of the English language, saying, "Shashi Tharoor's English is very good, that's why he has been taken in CWC (Congress Working Committee)".

The "war of birds," as some have termed it, highlights the internal challenges and differing perspectives within the Congress party as it navigates the current political landscape. Tharoor's recent statement suggests a desire to address these issues internally, away from the public eye.