The cold war between Shashi Tharoor and top Congress leadership has erupted again this time over his praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global image post Operation Sindoor. What began as a subtle undercurrent of ideological divergence has now grown into a very public display of tension, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge openly criticising Tharoor’s comments and party insiders distancing themselves from the diplomat-turned-politician.
Tharoor, who continues to be seen as one of Congress’s most articulate faces globally, appears increasingly isolated within his party. His choice of words in a recent op-ed for The Hindu, praising Modi’s “energy, dynamism, and global engagement”, has led to sharp rebukes from Congress leaders even as the BJP and neutral observers applauded his statesmanship.
Kharge’s Stinging Remark
In perhaps the strongest-ever rebuke directed at Tharoor, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge didn’t mince words. “For us, it’s country first. But for some people, it’s Modi first,” Kharge said, in what was widely interpreted as a direct jibe at the Thiruvananthapuram MP.
Adding a sardonic tone, Kharge further remarked, “I can’t read English well. His language is very good. That’s why we made him a CWC member.” The comment, while appearing dismissive, underscores a deeper frustration within the party about Tharoor’s repeated public divergence from party lines particularly on issues of national security and foreign policy.
The ‘Wings Are Yours’ Tweet: Tharoor’s Subtle Retort
Hours after Kharge’s remarks went viral, Tharoor posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Don’t ask permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one.”
While he did not name anyone, the metaphor-laden post, paired with the image of a bird in flight, was widely seen as a dignified yet defiant response to the Congress leadership’s backlash.
Party insiders suggest that Tharoor’s growing stature as a statesman one who appeals to centrists and even BJP-leaning voters has made many in the Congress uncomfortable, especially as the party tries to consolidate its narrative ahead of crucial state and national elections.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 25, 2025
Diplomatic Duties Despite Dissent
Despite internal criticism, Tharoor’s credibility on the international stage continues to be recognised. After concluding a multi-nation visit as part of India’s post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic push, Tharoor was recently sent on another outreach mission this time to Russia, the UK, and possibly Greece. The visit aims to bolster ties with strategic allies and amplify India’s global voice.
While the Congress party officially distanced itself from his remarks in the Hindu article, sources say the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office were more than satisfied with Tharoor’s performance especially after he voiced India’s zero tolerance towards terrorism
Fluent in French, Tharoor explained a senior Russian diplomat on Wednesday, calling out Pakistan’s terror links an action that earned rare bipartisan praise back home.
Will the Congress Rein in or Rely on Tharoor?
As tensions flare within the Congress, one thing is clear Shashi Tharoor’s political persona is no longer easy to contain within the party’s traditional framework. While the Congress attempts to fine-tune its messaging to take on the Modi-led BJP, Tharoor’s statesmanlike tone and open admiration for certain governance aspects of the Centre have put him at ideological odds with the leadership.
With the BJP capitalising on nationalist sentiment, Tharoor’s moderate, globally appealing voice could be an asset. But within his own party, he remains a maverick respected abroad, resented by some at home.
If Congress continues to snub or sideline him, it risks losing a rare leader who bridges global perception and domestic complexity. Whether they choose to rein him in or rely on him, the Congress must now decide if there’s room in its tent for a statesman.
