The Congress party is currently navigating a delicate situation involving senior leader Shashi Tharoor, whose recent remarks have stirred controversy within the party ranks. The issue stems from Tharoor's comments made during a multi-party delegation visit to Panama, where he praised the Modi government's approach to cross-border operations, specifically highlighting the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot air strike as unprecedented. These statements have been perceived by some within the Congress as a deviation from the party line, leading to internal criticism and demands for clarification.
Tharoor's remarks ignited a sharp response from within the Congress, with party members like Udit Raj sarcastically suggesting that he should be appointed as the "super spokesperson of the BJP." Raj accused Tharoor of harming the party's image by downplaying Congress's role and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions. This public criticism underscores the internal divisions and differing perspectives within the Congress regarding national security issues and the party's stance on government policies.
In response to the backlash, Tharoor issued a clarification, stating that his comments were taken out of context and twisted by "zealots." He emphasized that he was specifically referring to recent retaliations for terrorist attacks and not to previous wars, asserting that his remarks were preceded by a reference to the attacks that have taken place in recent years. He added that previous Indian responses were restrained out of respect for the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). This clarification aimed to address the concerns raised by his party colleagues and to reiterate his commitment to the Congress party's ideology.
Despite the clarification, the controversy has sparked a wider debate within the Congress party about India's military actions across the LoC. Some leaders have pointed to instances of surgical strikes conducted during the UPA government, emphasizing that such actions were not used for vote-garnering exercises. This reflects a concern within the party that Tharoor's remarks might inadvertently strengthen the BJP's narrative and undermine the Congress's historical achievements.
The Congress party's response to the Shashi Tharoor issue reflects a cautious approach. While acknowledging the concerns raised by some members, the party has refrained from taking any immediate disciplinary action. This "no action for now" stance suggests a desire to avoid further escalation of the internal conflict and to maintain party unity. However, the party has subtly flagged what it considers to be a "factual error" in Tharoor's initial statement, indicating that the matter is not entirely closed.
Several factors might be contributing to the Congress party's cautious approach. First, Shashi Tharoor is a prominent and influential leader within the party, known for his eloquence and intellectual prowess. Taking strong action against him could alienate his supporters and further exacerbate internal divisions. Second, the Congress party is currently undergoing a period of introspection and reorganization. Engaging in a protracted internal conflict could distract from these efforts and weaken the party's overall position. Third, there may be a recognition within the party that Tharoor's remarks, while controversial, reflect a broader sentiment among some sections of the population regarding the need for a strong response to terrorism.
Ultimately, the Shashi Tharoor issue highlights the challenges faced by the Congress party in navigating complex issues of national security and maintaining internal cohesion. The party's "no action for now" approach suggests a desire to manage the situation carefully and avoid any actions that could further destabilize the party. However, the underlying tensions and differing perspectives remain, and it remains to be seen how the Congress party will address these challenges in the long term.
