Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has stirred an internal debate within his party after openly applauding the central government’s handling of Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Tharoor, who is currently leading a multi-party parliamentary delegation abroad, asserted that national interest must transcend party lines.
“When one is serving the nation, political calculations should not matter,” Tharoor said during a press briefing in the United States. “Those who believe working in the national interest is anti-party need to introspect, not question us.”
His remarks, made while representing India on an international diplomatic mission, were seen by some within Congress as unusually supportive of the BJP-led government. Tharoor praised the name Operation Sindoor as “brilliantly chosen,” citing its symbolic tribute to the lives lost in the terror attack. He also emphasized the unity of the delegation—cutting across party and religious lines—and insisted that “once you cross the border, you are an Indian first. Other allegiances come second.”
However, the praise did not sit well with several Congress leaders. MP Udit Raj accused Tharoor of acting like a “super spokesperson of the BJP,” while Congress leader Pawan Khera remarked that similar military operations had occurred under the UPA government but were not publicized for political gain.
The Congress party acknowledged Tharoor’s value but flagged some of his statements as “factually inaccurate,” subtly distancing itself from his views while avoiding open confrontation.
Tharoor, meanwhile, remains unfazed. “I am an elected Member of Parliament. I have four more years to serve my term. There's no question of me backing down,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to his parliamentary duties.