During the parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly criticized the Congress party, referencing internal conflicts and apparent disapproval of members who praise India. This occurred during Modi's response to the discussion surrounding the military operation, with the Prime Minister bringing up historical burdens and current strains within the opposition party. Modi's remarks, seemingly directed at Shashi Tharoor, alluded to "some (being) stopped from speaking in parliament" and those "who consider themselves the sons of Congress become unhappy if you praise India".
The backdrop to this political theater involves Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, who has faced increasing criticism from within his own party for allegedly adopting a pro-Modi stance on issues of national security and foreign policy. This includes his perceived support for the government's actions during Operation Sindoor. Tharoor's willingness to seemingly align with the Modi government on certain issues has created a rift within the Congress, leading to accusations that he is undermining the party line and acting as a "super spokesperson" for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Operation Sindoor itself has been a subject of intense debate. Opposition parties have questioned the government's handling of the situation, citing alleged intelligence failures and disputing claims of a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. President. The Congress party, in particular, has aimed to challenge the government's narrative, but these efforts appear to have been undermined by internal divisions and Tharoor's dissenting voice.
Tharoor's absence from the Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor further fueled speculation about his position within the Congress. While Manish Tewari, another Congress leader, requested to speak during the debate, Tharoor reportedly declined, as his views on the operation differed from the party's critical stance. This decision to remain silent, rather than toe the party line, highlights the widening gap between Tharoor and the Congress leadership. Some Congress leaders have gone as far as to suggest that Tharoor is no longer considered "one of us" and that the party's patience with him is waning. They have also alleged that he shares internal party discussions with the Prime Minister.
In response to the criticism, Tharoor has defended his stance, asserting that national interest takes precedence over party loyalty. He has also questioned the credibility and motives of his critics. Tharoor's supporters argue that he is simply putting India first and that the Congress should be more tolerant of dissenting views. However, his detractors within the party view his actions as a betrayal of the party's principles and a threat to its unity.
The Prime Minister's veiled criticism of the Congress and Shashi Tharoor during the Operation Sindoor debate underscores the deep political divisions and ideological clashes shaping Indian politics. It also brings into sharp focus the challenges faced by the Congress party as it attempts to mount a credible opposition to the Modi government while grappling with internal dissent and questions of leadership. The situation also raises questions about the limits of dissent within a political party and the balance between party discipline and individual conviction.
