As political tempers rise back home, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has chosen a measured tone in responding to criticism from within his own party during his international outreach mission. Reacting to remarks made by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, Tharoor said he would address the concerns and commentary after returning to India, choosing instead to focus on India’s global messaging against terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Tharoor is currently leading one of seven all-party delegations sent by the Indian government to countries across the globe, with the United States being their next stop after Brazil. The purpose of these delegations is to highlight India’s position on terrorism and expose Pakistan’s involvement on international platforms. His statements in support of India’s response to recent attacks, including references to surgical strikes and cross-border operations, have gained approval from many on the ruling side, but stirred discontent within Congress ranks.
Rift Within Congress Over Tharoor’s Role
While the Congress initially supported the government’s response to the Pahalgam attack, its tone later shifted, questioning the ceasefire decision and the reported involvement of the US in brokering it. Jairam Ramesh’s jibe—”our MPs are roaming, and so are terrorists”—was interpreted as a dig at Tharoor’s foreign visits. The party later distanced itself from Tharoor’s comments, calling him a “superspokesperson of the BJP” after he praised India’s assertive military responses in forums like Panama.
Tharoor, however, avoided fueling the controversy further. Speaking in Brazil, he emphasized that this was not the time to engage in political infighting. “When we get back to India, we’ll have our chance to speak with our colleagues, critics, and the media. But right now, we are here to deliver a message,” he said.
Tharoor Defends India’s Cross-Border Military Actions
In one of his recent speeches, Tharoor recalled key Indian military actions, including the 2016 Uri surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, to highlight the shift in India’s security posture. He noted that these actions sent a strong signal that terrorism would come at a price. He further stated that India’s strikes not only crossed the Line of Control but also targeted deep into Pakistan’s heartland, underlining a more aggressive and confident approach to national security.
