Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has taken a swipe at Shashi Tharoor following the latter's recent praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts. Kharge's comments come in the wake of an article by Tharoor where he lauded PM Modi as a "prime asset" for India on the global stage, particularly highlighting his handling of Operation Sindoor.

Kharge, while addressing the media, responded to questions about Tharoor's article with a touch of sarcasm. He stated, "I can't read English, but his language is very good, that's why we made him a member of the party's working committee." He further added, "We say nation first, but some consider Modi first, country later. What can we do about that?" This remark was widely interpreted as a veiled dig at Tharoor, implying that the Thiruvananthapuram MP was prioritizing Modi's image over the party's stance.

The Congress party has officially distanced itself from Tharoor's remarks, clarifying that they represent his personal views and not the party's official position. When asked whether Congress was afraid of taking action against Tharoor, Kharge said the Thiruvananthapuram MP was speaking "according to his wishes" and "We are more worried about saving the nation".

Tharoor himself has attempted to clarify his position, stating that his praise for PM Modi's efforts should not be seen as an indication that he is considering joining the BJP. He emphasized that his remarks were a "statement of national unity, of national interest and of standing up for India."

This is not the first time Tharoor's views have diverged from the Congress party line. He has often expressed opinions that are perceived as favorable to the Modi government, leading to speculation about his future within the party. However, Tharoor has consistently maintained his commitment to the Congress ideology.

Kharge's remarks also come in the context of the Congress party's broader strategy of opposition unity. He emphasized that the entire opposition stands united with the Indian Army. This was seen as an attempt to downplay any divisions within the party and project a united front against the ruling BJP.

The incident has sparked a debate within political circles about the extent to which individual leaders should be allowed to express opinions that differ from the party's official stance. Some argue that such dissent is healthy for democracy and allows for a diversity of perspectives. Others maintain that party discipline is essential for maintaining a cohesive political message.