Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, currently in the United States as part of a multi-party delegation, has firmly pushed back against internal party criticism regarding his support for the government following the Pahalgam terror attack. Facing backlash from some Congress leaders and being labelled a “super spokesperson of the BJP,” Shashi Tharoor clarified that his stance stems from a commitment to national interest, not partisan politics. Emphasizing unity beyond borders, Shashi Tharoor said he remains committed to the Congress and is not on a political mission abroad.
Prioritizing Nation Over Party Lines
Shashi Tharoor said that people who view working in national interest as anti-party behaviour need to introspect. “When one is doing the nation’s service, one shouldn’t worry about these things,” he said, dismissing rumours of leaving the Congress. Referring to senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid’s comment questioning whether being a patriot is now difficult, Shashi Tharoor echoed the sentiment that patriotism shouldn’t be a partisan issue.
The backlash stems from Shashi Tharoor’s endorsement of the government’s handling of the situation following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. In its wake, India launched precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The situation escalated briefly, with Pakistan attempting retaliatory strikes on May 8, 9, and 10, to which India responded firmly. Hostilities de-escalated following discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations on May 10.
Operation Sindoor and Global Diplomacy
Shashi Tharoor is part of a diverse Indian delegation visiting multiple countries under Operation Sindoor. The group includes MPs from across parties and regions — Sarfaraz Ahmad, Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and former US ambassador Taranjit Sandhu. Since May 24, they have travelled through Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and now the US, carrying a message of national unity.
Shashi Tharoor emphasized that the delegation represents India, not any one party. “Our political differences stop at the border. Abroad, we’re Indians first,” he said. Responding to questions about Donald Trump’s past mediation remarks on India-Pakistan tensions, Shashi Tharoor stated he wouldn’t speculate, affirming respect for the American presidency and adding that India’s military stance was always clear and consistent from day one.
