Congress Sources Criticize Shashi Tharoor for Crossing the Line with His Comments on India-Pakistan Tensions
Congress party sources revealed on Wednesday that while the party encourages freedom of expression, MP Shashi Tharoor has crossed a “Lakshman Rekha” with his recent comments regarding tensions between India and Pakistan. The sources mentioned that party leadership had advised leaders to prioritize the party’s stance over personal opinions on sensitive matters like these.
Following a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, a senior leader raised concerns about Tharoor’s statements, which were deemed contrary to the party line. Though Tharoor was present at the meeting, he refrained from commenting on the issue afterward.
A source within the Congress Working Committee said, “Congress is a democratic party, and everyone is free to express their views. However, Tharoor crossed the line this time. The leadership has advised that this is not the time for personal opinions but for presenting the party’s viewpoint.” While no names were mentioned during the advice, sources clarified that Tharoor did present his views in line with the party’s perspective during the meeting and even offered some “constructive suggestions.”
Congress Party’s Remarks
When asked about Tharoor’s comments, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh told reporters that Tharoor’s remarks did not reflect the party’s stance. Tharoor had recently distanced himself from the party’s position on US President Donald Trump’s claims about “mediation” between India and Pakistan. While Congress has consistently questioned the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue, Tharoor criticized Trump for wanting credit on matters that were not his to claim. Tharoor called Trump’s comparison of India and Pakistan “shocking” and pointed out the “false equivalence” he created by treating a victim and an aggressor as equal.
What Tharoor Said
Tharoor also praised the government and armed forces for their handling of the “Operation Sindoor” military response. On Monday, Tharoor sharply criticized Trump’s claim that his administration had helped reduce tensions between India and Pakistan, calling it “disappointing” for India. He added that Trump’s statement provided Pakistan with a “framework for dialogue it certainly hasn’t earned,” and reiterated that India would never negotiate under the threat of terrorism. Tharoor also warned that Trump’s portrayal of the situation could “internationalize” the Kashmir issue, something India has consistently rejected.
Trump had claimed that his administration had helped avert a “potentially catastrophic nuclear conflict” by forcing both nations into a “full and immediate ceasefire” using trade leverage. On May 10, after days of heightened tensions, India and Pakistan agreed to halt military actions. While Trump called it a “ceasefire,” the Indian government carefully avoided using this term, clarifying that it was merely an agreement to halt firing while “Operation Sindoor” continued.
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