Shashi Tharoor, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, has recently found himself at the center of a political storm after praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts on the global stage. This led to intense speculation about his potential shift to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, Tharoor has firmly refuted these claims, clarifying that his commendation of PM Modi's "energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage" was solely in the interest of national unity and to promote India's standing in the international community.
Tharoor's clarification came in response to an opinion piece he penned in a leading English daily, where he described PM Modi as a "prime asset" for India. He further suggested that PM Modi deserved "greater backing" for his global outreach efforts. This endorsement, especially coming from a senior leader of the opposition, raised eyebrows and triggered political murmurs, with some interpreting it as a sign of Tharoor's growing proximity to the BJP.
Addressing these speculations, Tharoor stated unequivocally that his remarks should not be misconstrued as him "leaping to join" the BJP. He emphasized that his intention was to highlight the success of "Operation Sindoor's" diplomatic mission, an outreach initiative aimed at countering Pakistan's narrative following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Tharoor led a multi-party delegation to the United States and other countries as part of this effort, conveying India's firm stance against terrorism.
Tharoor defended his position by asserting that "political differences should stop at the border." He stressed that there should be no distinction between a "BJP foreign policy" and a "Congress foreign policy," but rather a unified "Indian foreign policy" that serves the nation's interests. He highlighted that he has consistently held this view, referencing his earlier statements as the chairman of the External Affairs Committee.
Despite Tharoor's attempts to clarify his stance, his comments have stirred unease within the Congress party. Some leaders have criticized his praise for PM Modi, especially at a time when the party has been consistently attacking the Modi government's foreign policy. K. Muraleedharan, a senior Congress leader from Kerala, openly described Tharoor's remarks as "quite disgusting," questioning how a member of the party's working committee could commend a political opponent, especially during election season.
Tharoor has acknowledged that he has "differences of opinion with some in the party leadership," but he has also reiterated his commitment to the Congress party and its ideology. He stated that he has been loyal to the Congress for the last 16 years, and his values align with the party's principles. He further pointed out that he is an elected Member of Parliament with four years left in his term, dismissing any questions about his intentions to switch parties.
Despite the internal criticism, Tharoor remains firm in his belief that national interest should take precedence over party politics. He has emphasized the importance of showcasing a united front on matters of national importance, regardless of political affiliations. Tharoor's stance reflects his image as a politician who often transcends party lines, prioritizing what he believes is best for the country. Whether this approach will continue to create friction within the Congress party remains to be seen.
