The simmering tension between Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and his party has taken a new turn after Tharoor's recent article praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The article, published in The Hindu, lauded Modi's "energy, dynamism and willingness to engage" as a "prime asset" for India on the global stage, suggesting he "deserves greater backing." This endorsement, particularly in light of the Congress party's consistent criticism of the Modi government's foreign policy, has stirred controversy and fueled speculation about Tharoor's political leanings.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge responded to the article with a veiled but pointed critique, stating, "For us, it's country first, but for some people, it's Modi first." Kharge also subtly commented on Tharoor's eloquence, saying, "Mr. Tharoor is very fluent in English. I can't read English well. His language is very good. That's why we have made him a Congress Working Committee member." These remarks, made during a press conference, have been interpreted as a public rebuke of Tharoor's stance.
In response to Kharge's remarks, Tharoor posted a cryptic message on X: "Don't ask permission to fly. The wings are yours and the sky belongs to no one.” This message has been widely interpreted as a defiant assertion of his independence and a refusal to be constrained by party lines.
Tharoor has attempted to downplay the controversy, clarifying that his article should not be seen as an indication that he is "leaping to join" the BJP. He emphasized that his remarks were rooted in national unity and a commitment to standing up for India's interests. He further explained that the article focused on the success of Operation Sindoor, a diplomatic outreach mission following the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor led a multi-party delegation to the United States and other countries to convey India's position to the international community after the attack. He highlighted the importance of cross-party solidarity in foreign policy, stating that political differences should stop at the border for India's interest.
However, his explanations have done little to quell the speculation and criticism. Some within the Congress party have accused him of deviating from the party line and undermining their criticism of the Modi government. The BJP, on the other hand, has seized upon the opportunity to highlight the perceived divisions within the Congress party, with one spokesperson suggesting that Tharoor's praise of Modi has "exposed" Rahul Gandhi.
Tharoor's relationship with the Congress party has been under scrutiny since 2021 when he joined the "G-23," a group of senior leaders who questioned the Gandhi family's leadership style. While he has acknowledged differences of opinion with the party leadership, he has also maintained that the Congress, its values, and its workers are very dear to him.
