Shashi Tharoor’s recent remarks praising the Narendra Modi government’s fight against terrorism have once again sparked tensions within the Congress party.
The senior leader faced sharp criticism from his own party colleagues but responded with a firm message: he has “better things to do” than engage with “critics and trolls.”
Tharoor, who is leading an Indian delegation on a global outreach mission after the Pahalgam terror attack, made his comments while traveling between Panama and Bogota.
He clarified that his praise was focused on India’s recent counter-terrorism actions and not a broader political endorsement.
Tharoor’s remarks underline how even veteran leaders struggle to balance personal views with party lines.
Soon after his post, Congress leaders like Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh fired back, quoting Tharoor’s own earlier criticism of the 2016 surgical strikes and stressing that his comments do not reflect the party’s official stance.
Udit Raj, another Congress MP, accused Tharoor of acting like a spokesperson for the BJP, criticizing him for applauding Modi’s government more than his own party.
The Congress high command reportedly warned Tharoor for crossing the “Lakshman Rekha” — the invisible line leaders are expected not to cross when expressing personal opinions that could contradict the party’s position.
Yet, Tharoor remains unapologetic, stating he is speaking in a personal capacity and that he will fulfill his duties leading the delegation abroad.
After a long and successful day in Panama, i have to wind up at midnightvhere with departure for Bogota, Colombia in six hours, so I don’t really have time for this — but anyway: For those zealots fulminating about my supposed ignorance of Indian valour across the LoC: in tge…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 29, 2025
This episode is part of a longer story. Shashi Tharoor has had a rocky relationship with the Congress leadership, including being removed as spokesperson in 2014 after praising Modi in an article.
His attempt to challenge the Gandhi family’s chosen candidate for party president in 2022 showed his willingness to push boundaries.
What’s ironic here? A man who has represented India on global stages is now caught in a domestic political tug-of-war, where words are weapons and loyalty is a complicated dance. The Congress needs to remember that dissent from within can be a sign of a healthy democracy — but only if handled with care.
Also Read Shashi Tharoor Hails Modi’s Terror Action, Faces Congress ‘CC’ Strike
