Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who recently led India’s diplomatic outreach on anti-terrorism efforts to the United States, Brazil, and three other countries following Operation Sindoor, has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “energy, dynamism, and readiness to engage with the world,” calling it “a key asset for India on the global stage
The timing of Tharoor’s praise couldn’t have been more politically sensitive. His remarks have not only surprised his party colleagues but also offered political ammunition to rivals, who accuse him of softening towards the BJP.
Cross-Party Diplomatic Mission: Tharoor Front and Centre
Shashi Tharoor led a high-level cross-party diplomatic delegation to the United States as part of India’s post-Operation Sindoor outreach. The initiative, aimed at building international consensus against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack, involved seven MP delegations visiting 32 countries. These included strategic destinations like the EU, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the US.
In his op-ed to ‘The Hindu’, Tharoor hailed the effort as a “moment of national resolve and effective communication.”
He also noted that even though a Pakistani delegation was present in the US at the same time, American officials echoed India’s concerns and called for decisive action. “Our arguments, grounded in facts and consistent advocacy, were reinforcing the legitimacy of India’s position,” he wrote.
This praise of the BJP-led government’s handling of international diplomacy has not gone down well with a section of the Congress leadership, many of whom feel that Tharoor is too frequently toeing the government line.
Not the First Time: Tharoor’s Past Admiration for Modi and BJP
This is not the first instance where Tharoor has spoken favourably of the Prime Minister or aspects of the BJP government. In the past, he:
- Described Modi as a “phenomenon” and a “master communicator.”
- Praised Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative.
- Called for recognising the PM’s role in enhancing India’s global image.
- Referred to Modi’s foreign policy as “effective outreach.”
- Once remarked that “Modi should be praised when he does good work.”
Each of these statements has raised suspicion within the Congress, especially among those loyal to the Gandhi family. While Tharoor has repeatedly clarified that he is committed to the Congress and its values, the mixed messaging has kept political circles buzzing.
Why Some in Congress Are Growing Restless?
Tharoor is not the only Congress leader in recent times to acknowledge or praise aspects of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Several senior figures have voiced admiration for Modi’s decisiveness or governance, signalling growing ideological discomfort within the party’s ranks. This trend points to deeper unrest within the Congress a dissatisfaction not just with electoral performance, but with the party’s internal leadership structure and direction.
This discontent came to a head in 2020, when a faction of senior leaders, later dubbed the G-23 (Group of 23), wrote a letter to then party president Sonia Gandhi demanding sweeping reforms. The signatories, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal, Anand Sharma, Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, called for greater internal democracy and more accountable leadership. Though some members have since left or softened their stance, the G-23 symbolised the party’s growing internal fractures particularly with the Gandhi family’s continued grip on power.
Tharoor, still within the fold, has become the most prominent face of this reformist sentiment. His calls for internal elections and modernization, along with his independent public positions, have made him popular among young and urban voters but a source of suspicion among the party’s old guard.
Maverick or Messenger of Change?
Shashi Tharoor continues to straddle the line between loyal Congress leader and outspoken public intellectual. His global stature and ability to articulate nuanced positions have earned him praise even from his opponents. However, in a party still grappling with its post-2014 identity crisis, Tharoor’s repeated admiration for the BJP government and Narendra Modi has stirred legitimate concerns about his political intentions.
Is he a maverick voice pushing for reform from within? Or is he paving the way for a future political shift? As the Congress braces for more electoral challenges, the answer to that question could shape not just Tharoor’s career but the future trajectory of the party itself.
