Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress MP, is currently facing criticism from within his own party after his comments made during a multi-party delegation visit to Panama as part of the Operation Sindoor global outreach. Operation Sindoor is the central government's initiative to explain India's stance on terrorism to international partners following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Tharoor, known for his articulate defense of Indian interests on global platforms, highlighted India's firm stance against terrorism and the actions taken against terrorist groups operating from Pakistani soil. Speaking in Panama, he emphasized that India's approach has evolved, demonstrating a willingness to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and even the international border to strike at terror bases. He referenced the surgical strikes of 2016 after the Uri attack and the Balakot airstrikes of 2019 following the Pulwama attack. Tharoor asserted that terrorists now realize they will pay a price for their actions, stating, "What has changed in recent years is that the terrorists have also realized they will have a price to pay – on that, let there be no doubt."
However, his remarks have triggered a backlash from some within the Congress party. Udit Raj, a Congress leader, publicly criticized Tharoor, accusing him of sounding like a "super spokesperson of the BJP." Raj suggested that Tharoor was giving undue credit to the current government and downplaying the accomplishments of previous Congress administrations. Specifically, Udit Raj took issue with Tharoor's assertion that India had crossed the LoC for the first time in 2016, arguing that this ignored previous instances of military action under Congress governments, including those in 1965 and 1971.
In response to the criticism, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has come out in support of Shashi Tharoor, questioning the Congress party's stance. Rijiju questioned whether the Congress expected Indian MPs to speak against their own country and Prime Minister when representing India on foreign soil. He argued that there should be a limit to political desperation.
The BJP has also defended Tharoor, with BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stating that Tharoor was being attacked for putting India first, not the Gandhi family. Poonawalla accused the Congress of launching missiles at its own leader at the behest of Rahul Gandhi and alleged that the party seemed more eager to give a clean chit to Pakistan.
The controversy also extends to the manner in which Tharoor was selected for the all-party delegation. While the Congress party had initially recommended other leaders, the central government directly included Tharoor, a move that reportedly caused discontent within the Congress ranks. Despite the internal criticism, Tharoor continues to lead the delegation, which includes members from various parties, to present a united front on national security and terrorism.
This recent episode highlights the ongoing tension between Shashi Tharoor and certain factions within the Congress party. Tharoor has often been perceived as an independent voice within the party, willing to take positions that differ from the official line. This has led to instances where he has been sidelined or criticized by party leaders. However, he also enjoys considerable support within the party and has been given important roles, such as heading the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and being appointed to the Congress Working Committee.
