Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift – Country First Not Modi Amid Operation Sindoor
The Mediaconn
June 25, 2025
Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift
Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, India’s political landscape has once again been stirred by an internal storm within the Congress party. The trigger this time? A controversial article penned by senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, in which he appeared to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s swift diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor the mission launched in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The article, which some within the party viewed as a deviation from the Congress’s core narrative, has not only reignited existing tensions but has also led to a very public reprimand from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, His sharp comments underline the rift between the party’s traditionalist leadership and its more independent-minded members.
Operation Sindoor A National Response to a National Tragedy
Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, On the heels of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, Operation Sindoor was launched as a rapid response by Indian security forces and diplomatic channels. The operation was praised across the political spectrum for its precision and purpose. While the Congress party remained staunch in its support for the armed forces, it also used the opportunity to critique the Modi government’s broader national security strategies.
Enter Shashi Tharoor, whose op-ed lauded the government’s immediate international outreach. He acknowledged India’s rising stature in global diplomacy and credited Modi’s leadership in effectively mobilizing international support. Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, This move, however, was seen as an ideological misstep by many in his own party.
Kharge Hits Back Country First, Not Modi First
Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, Mallikarjun Kharge wasted no time in addressing the controversy. In a strong rebuttal, he stated, For us, it is country first. For some others, it seems it’s Modi first, and then the country. The indirect reference to Tharoor sent shockwaves through Congress corridors and prompted a wave of responses both from within the party and the general public.
Kharge’s remarks not only underscored the party’s disapproval of Tharoor’s article but also served as a clear warning to other Congress leaders who may contemplate diverging from the official party stance.
Tharoor Responds Cryptically
In what was widely perceived as a veiled response, Shashi Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter), writing:
Don’t ask permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one.
Accompanied by the image of a bird in flight, Tharoor’s message was interpreted as an assertion of personal freedom, independence, and intellectual autonomy traits that have long defined his political style. The post attracted both admiration from supporters and criticism from party loyalists, further widening the ideological gap.
Congress Distances Itself from Tharoor’s Views
Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, In an effort to contain the damage, Congress officially distanced itself from Tharoor’s remarks. Senior party leaders emphasized that his views do not represent the stance of the Indian National Congress, especially in such sensitive times following the Pahalgam attack.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) is reported to have discussed the matter internally, with a majority of members expressing discontent over Tharoor’s timing and tone. Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, While some acknowledged the importance of free speech within the party, they also warned against sending mixed signals to the public during a national crisis.
A Clash of Ideologies or a Leadership Challenge?
This incident is just the latest in a series of ideological scuffles within the Congress party. Tharoor has often found himself at odds with the party’s high command, whether on matters of policy, strategy, or ideology. While he brings with him global experience and intellectual clout, many believe his style of politics is increasingly out of sync with the Congress of today.
However, others see this as a healthy clash of ideas a sign that Congress is still home to diverse voices. Yet, the party’s recent electoral setbacks and growing leadership vacuum have made it less tolerant of internal contradictions.
Kharge’s strong words may be an attempt to reassert discipline and demonstrate clarity in leadership. Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, But the question remains: can the Congress afford to alienate its more progressive and globally recognized leaders at a time when its national relevance is being questioned?
Public Reaction
Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, The Tharoor-Kharge spat has sparked a wave of public opinion online. While many applauded Kharge for defending party discipline and showing strong leadership, others backed Tharoor’s right to express individual opinion, especially when it aligns with national interest.
Prominent political commentators have highlighted the incident as a reflection of Congress’s identity crisis. Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift, The party appears torn between maintaining ideological purity and adapting to a changing political narrative shaped by the BJP’s dominance.
What’s Next for Tharoor?
The big question now is: Will Shashi Tharoor remain in the Congress party? While no official statement has been made, sources suggest that the ongoing friction could push Tharoor closer to the party’s margins, or even out of it entirely if things escalate further.
Tharoor, known for his diplomatic finesse and articulate public presence, may find it increasingly difficult to operate within the constraints of a party that demands collective discipline over individual opinion.
A Defining Moment for Congress
The Kharge-Tharoor episode is more than just an internal disagreement it’s a mirror reflecting the broader challenges the Congress party faces today. Balancing traditional party values with evolving public sentiments, encouraging internal debate while ensuring discipline, and standing united in national crises are all challenges that demand mature political navigation.
Whether Congress chooses to embrace its intellectuals like Tharoor or silence them in favor of a monolithic voice will play a crucial role in shaping its future. One thing is clear: this rift is not just about one article or one leader it’s about the very soul of the Congress party in 2025.
For the full scoop and in-depth analysis, read the complete report on Shashi Tharoor Sparks Congress Rift www.indiatoday.in
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