Amidst swirling speculation, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has clarified that his recent article praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global outreach during "Operation Sindoor" is not an indication of him defecting to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Tharoor's op-ed, published in a leading English daily, lauded Modi's "energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage" on the international stage, calling him a "prime asset" for India. This public commendation, particularly in the context of the government's diplomatic initiative following the Pahalgam terror attack, ignited rumors of a potential shift in allegiance.
Operation Sindoor was India's response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Following the attack, the Indian government launched a multi-nation diplomatic outreach to explain India's position and garner international support. Tharoor was part of a five-nation delegation aimed at clarifying India's stance. The delegation's mission was to emphasize that India's actions were a legitimate exercise of self-defense against persistent cross-border terrorism. According to Tharoor, this effort successfully shifted perspectives in multiple world capitals, including a retraction from Colombia after his intervention regarding their initial statement.
Tharoor has firmly stated that his article should be interpreted as a "statement of national unity, of national interest, and of standing up for India." He emphasized that his motivation for returning to India after 25 years at the UN was to serve the nation, and he remains proud to have the opportunity to do so. He believes that political differences should cease at the border, asserting that there is no distinct "BJP foreign policy" or "Congress foreign policy," but rather a unified "Indian foreign policy" that serves the "Indian national interest."
Tharoor highlighted that his article focused on the diplomatic success of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing how it showcased the unity of all parties on a matter of vital national interest. He noted that the Prime Minister has demonstrated dynamism and energy in engaging with other countries, traveling extensively to promote India's message globally. Tharoor argued that supporting these efforts reinforces India's voice on international platforms, conveying a message of a united India against terrorism and for other critical global issues.
Addressing the speculation directly, Tharoor dismissed any suggestion that his praise for Modi signals an imminent move to the BJP. He reminded critics of his long-standing loyalty to the Congress party and its ideology. He also pointed out that he had been chosen as one of the few opposition MPs to participate in the government's global diplomatic initiative.
Tharoor's relationship with the Congress party has faced scrutiny in the past, particularly after he joined the "G-23," a group of senior leaders who questioned the Gandhi family's leadership style. Despite acknowledging differences of opinion with certain elements within the party leadership, Tharoor has consistently maintained his commitment to the Congress and its principles. He reiterated that his recent comments and actions should not be misconstrued as a sign of him abandoning the party.
