The Congress party is facing internal turmoil following the central government's decision to include Shashi Tharoor in an all-party delegation to address international concerns regarding Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, particularly in the wake of Operation Sindoor. This decision has ignited a controversy, exposing a rift between Tharoor and the Congress leadership, with the party seemingly distancing itself from his recent public stances.

The crux of the issue lies in the fact that the Congress party had submitted a list of four MPs for the delegation, which did not include Shashi Tharoor. The government's choice to override this list and include Tharoor has been interpreted by some within the Congress as a deliberate snub and a political game. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, has voiced the party's displeasure, stating that the government is acting with a "mischievous mindset". He also alluded to Tharoor's perceived divergence from the party line, commenting, "There is a difference between being in the Congress and of the Congress".

Adding fuel to the fire, Tharoor's recent remarks on Operation Sindoor and US President Donald Trump's claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan have reportedly drawn criticism from within the Congress. Some party functionaries have accused him of crossing the "Lakshman Rekha" by expressing views that do not align with the party's official position. It has been suggested that the party leadership has conveyed a stern message, emphasizing the importance of amplifying the party's stand rather than airing individual views. Tharoor, however, has defended his statements, asserting that he spoke as an Indian and not as a party spokesperson.

Despite the controversy, Tharoor has accepted the invitation to lead the delegation, stating that he is honored to represent India's point of view on recent events and will not be found wanting when national interest is involved. This acceptance, however, seems to have further widened the gap between him and the Congress leadership. The Kerala Congress, on the other hand, has welcomed Tharoor's inclusion in the delegation, expressing confidence in his ability to effectively present India's position on the global stage and "correct the Modi government's past diplomatic mistakes". They also took a swipe at the BJP, saying that the government recognized a "talent vacuum" within their own party and chose a Congress leader to represent the country.

The controversy surrounding Shashi Tharoor's inclusion in the delegation highlights the challenges faced by the Congress party in managing diverse voices and maintaining a unified stance on critical national issues. It also raises questions about the relationship between the party leadership and individual members, particularly those with a strong public profile and independent views. While the Congress has historically prided itself on being a democratic party that allows for the free expression of opinions, the current situation suggests that there are limits to this freedom, especially when it comes to matters of national security and foreign policy. The party's reaction to Tharoor's inclusion and his recent statements underscores the delicate balance between individual expression and party discipline, a balance that the Congress will need to carefully navigate in the coming days.