Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 25: A fresh wave of internal friction has gripped the Congress party following senior leader Shashi Tharoor’s recent praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing a sharp response from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Addressing a press conference on the anniversary of the Emergency, Kharge indirectly criticised Tharoor’s remarks, asserting, “For us, it is country first, party later. But some feel it's Modi first, then the country.” The statement is seen as a veiled dig at Tharoor’s column in The Hindu, where he described Modi’s “energy, dynamism and willingness to engage” as a “prime asset” for India on the global stage.

Adding to the tension, Tharoor posted a cryptic message on X shortly after Kharge’s comments, stating, “Don’t ask permission to fly. The wings are yours and the sky belongs to no one.”

Kharge also took a jibe at Tharoor’s literary flair, saying, “Mr Tharoor is very fluent in English. I can’t read English well. His language is very good. That’s why we have made him a Congress Working Committee member.”

The Congress party has officially distanced itself from Tharoor’s views, especially amid its strong criticism of the BJP government’s handling of foreign policy and national security following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives.

Clarifying his position at an event in Moscow, Tharoor denied any plans to switch sides. “It’s not about leaping to join the BJP,” he said. “This is about national unity, interest, and standing up for India.”

In his article, Tharoor had described India's global diplomatic effort during Operation Sindoor as a “moment of national resolve and effective communication.” The article, notably, was shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, adding fuel to the ongoing controversy.

While speculation swirls about Tharoor’s political future, he has maintained that his comments were made in a spirit of bipartisanship and national interest, not as an endorsement of the BJP. However, the widening gap between his statements and the Congress party line continues to raise eyebrows within the Opposition ranks.