Congress Rift Widens as Tharoor's Modi Praise Draws Sharp Rebuke from Kharge

New Delhi: A fresh controversy has erupted within the Congress party after senior leader and MP Shashi Tharoor publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an article published in The Hindu. The piece, written in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, has triggered sharp criticism from the party’s top leadership, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.
In the article, Tharoor highlighted Modi’s “energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage,” and argued that these traits continue to benefit India on the global stage. The remarks have caused unease within the Congress, especially as the party has consistently criticised the BJP government’s handling of foreign policy and national security.
Reacting to Tharoor’s comments, Kharge said, “Tharoor was included in the Congress Working Committee only because of his command of English. “Congress stands for ‘nation first, party next.’ But what can be done if some people believe it’s Modi first, nation later”.
Responding to Kharge’s remarks, Tharoor posted a poetic line on social media: “Don’t ask for permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one...” — seen as a subtle yet pointed reply to the party president, reinforcing his right to express independent views.
AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal also criticised Tharoor, stating that party leaders should be mindful of their public remarks. “Each leader must introspect, understand what they are saying, and remember the responsibility they hold towards the people who elected them,” he said. Venugopal added that Tharoor himself must answer for his praise of Modi.
AICC spokesperson Supriya Shrinate clarified that Tharoor’s views were personal and did not reflect the official stand of the Congress party.