New Delhi:As Congress MP Shashi Tharoor faces internal criticism for his comments supporting the government’s stance on Operation Sindoor, he has found an unlikely ally in Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who took a swipe at the Congress for targeting one of its own.
Mr. Rijiju, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), questioned the Congress party’s expectations from the all-party delegations sent abroad to represent India’s position on the counter-terror operation. “What does the Congress party want & how much do they really care for the country? Should Indian MPs go to foreign nations and speak against India and its Prime Minister? There’s a limit to political desperation!” Rijiju posted, sharing a video clip juxtaposing Tharoor’s Panama speech with Congress leader Udit Raj’s criticisms.
The row began after Tharoor, who is leading one of seven Indian delegations abroad to explain Operation Sindoor, made emotionally charged remarks in Panama, which were seen as supportive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance. The speech drew flak from Congress leaders, including Udit Raj, who accused Tharoor of sounding like a BJP spokesperson.
“Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is the super spokesperson of the BJP. What BJP leaders are not saying, Tharoor is saying on their behalf… Does he even know what the previous governments did? The central government is taking credit for the Indian Armed Forces,” Udit Raj said.
Sources within Congress have indicated that Tharoor was not among the names recommended by the party for the international outreach. His inclusion was a unilateral decision by the Centre, which the Congress has reportedly not welcomed.
In Panama, Tharoor had said:
“Our Prime Minister has made it very clear. Operation Sindoor was necessary because these terrorists came and wiped the sindoor off the foreheads of 26 women, depriving them of their husbands. We heard their cries and India decided that the colour of the sindoor must also match the blood of the perpetrators.”
Tharoor also drew a stark contrast between India’s current approach and the response to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks under the previous Congress-led government:
“We had all the evidence, captured a terrorist alive, and even identified his origins in Pakistan. Yet, no one behind the attacks has been prosecuted or convicted. For decades, we’ve suffered attacks and responded only with grief and appeals. That is no longer acceptable.”
The Congress has also raised questions about the U.S. role in mediating the ceasefire that followed Operation Sindoor, with party leaders demanding clarity from the Centre.
Despite the controversy, Tharoor – a former diplomat and UN under-secretary – has stood by his comments, clarifying that they were meant to highlight the necessity of a firm response to terrorism, not to undermine any political party or past government.
