19 JUNE 2025 FACT RECORDER
Politics Desk: Tharoor Acknowledges Differences with Congress, Promises Internal Dialogue Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday admitted to having certain differences of opinion with his party but said he would raise them through internal channels when the time is right. “I’ve worked with the Congress for 16 years. While I do have some differences, today is not the time to speak about them publicly. When appropriate, I’ll discuss them within the party,” Tharoor told reporters.
His remarks come amid internal criticism over his comments endorsing India’s Operation Sindoor during a recent all-party delegation visit to the US. Tharoor led the team that highlighted India’s counter-terrorism efforts following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
In New York, Tharoor had described Operation Sindoor as a strategic shift, noting it was the first time India crossed the LoC to strike a terror base since the 2016 Uri attack. The comments drew sharp reactions from Congress leaders.
Party leader Pawan Khera responded by posting a video of former PM Manmohan Singh referring to surgical strikes under UPA rule, indirectly questioning Tharoor’s statement. Jairam Ramesh also criticised the Modi government for involving opposition MPs in foreign delegations, calling it a political tactic. Udit Raj went further, sarcastically suggesting Tharoor be named BJP’s “super spokesperson” and even foreign minister.
Tharoor defended his remarks, saying the visit was a national mission, not a partisan exercise. “This is not the time for internal politics. We will have discussions once we return,” he said.
He also clarified that his recent meeting with PM Modi was in the context of the MPs’ delegation. “When the nation needs us, we must stand united. I am always ready to serve the country,” he added.
This isn’t the first time Tharoor has faced internal backlash. Earlier this year, his praise of Kerala’s CPI(M)-led government sparked fresh speculation about his political future. With the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala approaching, there is ongoing chatter about his next move. However, Tharoor has repeatedly denied any plans to join the BJP, citing deep ideological differences.
