Shashi Tharoor’s Tensions with Congress: A Fracture in Political Alliances

For several months, the Congress party has distanced itself from Shashi Tharoor’s remarks, but now it appears that Tharoor is moving in a different direction. The recent government move to nominate Tharoor for a key diplomatic post, bypassing the Congress leadership, has brought the rift to a critical juncture.

Tharoor’s stance on various issues has created a growing divide with the party. His public praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent US visit, his comments on the Russia-Ukraine war, and his support for India’s vaccine diplomacy have all come under scrutiny. The Congress, unhappy with Tharoor’s apparent alignment with the BJP, has expressed concerns about his loyalty.

Tharoor has defended his actions, stating that he is an MP elected by the people of Thiruvananthapuram and not a party spokesman. He emphasized that his comments are based on his personal judgment and not on party lines. ‘I have absolutely no comment to make on that,’ he said, adding that he is honored to be entrusted with the responsibility and will fulfill it.

The Congress, however, has taken a more critical stance. It has pointed out that being in the Congress does not necessarily mean being of the Congress. The party has used the metaphor of the Ganga, a major river with many tributaries, to highlight the diversity within the party and the potential for internal discord.

Tharoor’s comments on various issues have been a point of contention. He has praised Modi’s policies without aligning with the party’s position. For instance, he has supported Modi’s US visit, which he believes has led to positive outcomes for India. He has also criticized the Indian position on the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it a mistake, and has praised India’s vaccine diplomacy during the pandemic.

Tharoor has faced similar criticism before. In 2015, he was criticized for calling Modi a ‘master communicator at work,’ which led to disciplinary action from the Kerala Congress. However, Tharoor defended his stance, stating that he was not pro-BJP but pro-India. He has since become more aggressive in his defense of his views, suggesting that his position is now more firmly held.

The question remains: is Tharoor on his way out of the Congress? The party has not yet made a clear statement, but the tension is palpable. Tharoor has yet to make a definitive move, but the situation is evolving rapidly. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched by political observers and the public alike.