Political Controversy Arises Over Shashi Tharoor's Support for Operation Sindoor
Political Fallout Within Congress
The endorsement of Operation Sindoor by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sparked a political uproar within his party. Senior Congress figures, including Udit Raj and Pawan Khera, have criticized Tharoor's remarks. Udit Raj labeled Tharoor as a 'super spokesperson for the BJP,' while top party leaders distanced themselves from his comments. This incident highlights the internal rifts within the Congress party regarding national security issues. In response to criticisms for supporting the government's stance on cross-border attacks, Tharoor accused 'critics and trolls' of misrepresenting his views and stated that he has 'better work to do.' Leading a multi-party delegation as part of the government's global outreach on terrorism, Tharoor faced backlash for claiming that India conducted its first surgical strike across the Line of Control under the Narendra Modi administration in 2016.
Congress Responds to Surgical Strike Claims
As Tharoor's comments gained traction, the Congress party quickly issued a rebuttal. They asserted that six surgical strikes were carried out during the UPA government, although these were never publicized. Pawan Khera shared an old interview of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, where he mentioned that surgical strikes had indeed occurred under the UPA. Khera remarked, 'Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: Several surgical strikes were conducted during the UPA government, @ShashiTharoor.' This post was circulated by various Congress leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh.
Direct Attacks on Tharoor
Khera also posted a historical image on social media showing officers of the 4 Sikh Regiment standing outside a Pakistani police station during the 1965 war. Meanwhile, Udit Raj directly criticized Tharoor, accusing him of being 'dishonest' and tarnishing the party's 'golden history.'
Tharoor Clarifies His Comments
In clarifying his statements, Tharoor explained that he was referring to responses to terrorist attacks, not past wars. He expressed on social media, 'To those extremists angry about my supposed ignorance regarding Indian valor across the LOC in the past.' The MP from Kerala, who has been increasingly at odds with his party, emphasized that previous Indian responses to terrorist attacks were restrained due to respect for the LOC and international borders.
Tharoor's Stance on Terrorism
Tharoor further stated, 'I welcome critics and trolls misrepresenting my thoughts and words. I have better work to do.' His remarks made during a visit to Panama have deepened the rift with Congress, especially after he accepted the government's invitation for Operation Sindoor's global outreach. Tharoor noted, 'In recent years, terrorists have realized they will pay a price. For the first time, India violated the LOC to conduct a surgical strike on a terrorist base following the Uri attack.'
Meeting with Panama's President
The delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met with President José Raúl Mulino of Panama at the Presidential Palace. This meeting was part of India's efforts to express a firm stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Addressing an assembly in Panama, Tharoor stated that when terrorist attacks occur, the land of Mahatma Gandhi will not turn the other cheek; instead, we will respond. He emphasized the importance of standing up for our values and living without fear, stating that liberation from fear is essential in combating the attacks from those deemed terrorists by the world, who believe they can achieve significant political or religious goals by attacking innocent people in our country.