Tharoor Prioritises National Interest Amid Strains with Congress Leadership

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday addressed speculation over a rift with his party’s leadership, following his public praise of the Narendra Modi government for its handling of Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a student interaction in Kochi, Kerala, the Thiruvananthapuram MP stressed that national security must take precedence over partisan considerations.

Responding to a question from a high school student about his perceived differences with the Congress high command, Tharoor said, “Sometimes political parties view such positions as disloyalty. But to me, the nation comes first. Parties are vehicles to make the nation better. No matter which party one belongs to, the ultimate goal must be to build a better India.”

Tharoor later posted a video of the exchange on social media platform X, captioned: “In Kochi today, I was asked the inevitable question by a high school student. While I generally avoid political discussions in public forums, I felt the student deserved an honest response.”

In a subtle rebuke to critics within his party, Tharoor defended his position. “Many have criticised me for supporting our armed forces, our government, and for standing by the nation during recent events at our borders. I will stand firm because I believe it is the right thing to do for the country. When I speak for India, I speak for all Indians — not just those aligned with my party.”

Citing former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Tharoor quoted, “Who lives if India dies?” urging political leaders and citizens alike to rise above party lines when the nation’s integrity and security are at stake.

Tharoor vs Congress: Growing Divergence

Tharoor’s remarks come amid rising tensions between him and the Congress central leadership, particularly after the government appointed him to lead an all-party delegation in support of Operation Sindoor — a mission aimed at countering cross-border hostilities from Pakistan.

His recent commentary on the India-Pakistan conflict and India’s diplomatic stance has also been seen as diverging from the Congress party’s official position. The situation further escalated after Tharoor penned an opinion piece in The Hindu, where he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “energy” and “dynamism” in the realm of foreign policy, asserting that such attributes enhance India’s global standing.

The article was subsequently amplified by the Prime Minister’s Office, fuelling speculation over Tharoor’s political positioning and prompting renewed scrutiny from Congress leadership.

As the debate continues, Tharoor’s remarks have reignited conversations around the balance between party loyalty and national interest in Indian political discourse.