New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday clarified that his recent article in a leading English daily, in which he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “energy, dynamism and willingness to engage (with other countries)” following Operation Sindoor, should not be misinterpreted as a move towards joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The article, which was also shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, sparked speculation due to the rare praise from a senior opposition leader. In the piece, Tharoor had called the Prime Minister a “prime asset” for India and urged “greater support” for his global outreach efforts.
Addressing the ensuing chatter, the Thiruvananthapuram MP clarified, “It is not a sign of my leaping to join the Prime Minister’s party… as some people have, unfortunately, been implying. It is a statement of national unity… national interest… and standing up for India.”
Party backlash, speculation grow
Tharoor has faced internal criticism from Congress colleagues for his remarks, which appear inconsistent with the party’s broader stance on the Modi government’s foreign policy. He maintained, however, that his commentary was focused on the success of Operation Sindoor’s diplomatic mission.
Following the operation, Tharoor was one of the few opposition leaders selected to represent India in a global diplomatic initiative. He led the delegation to the United States and four other countries, a move that further fueled speculation of a possible realignment. His cordial interactions with the Prime Minister upon return added to the buzz.
Tharoor defends stance
His appointment to the delegation also drew backlash from sections within his party, with some dubbing him a “super spokesperson” for the BJP’s “publicity stunts.”
Responding to such criticism, Tharoor said, “I did so to serve India… and I am very proud to have the opportunity to do so… believe that political differences should stop at the borders… there is no such thing as a ‘BJP foreign policy’ or a ‘Congress foreign policy’, there is only ‘Indian foreign policy’ and ‘Indian national interest’.”
He further added, “People always tend to see all this in the context of today’s news. It is an article in which I describe the success of this outreach mission… showcased the unity of all parties behind the matter of vital national interest.”
“And, to my mind, what we all did was give his efforts that back-up… and convey to the world that India stands united… today against terrorism, tomorrow it could be something else…”
