Shashi Tharoor Defends Mallikarjun Kharge Amid Controversy

In a recent political controversy, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has come to the defense of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who faced backlash from the BJP over comments made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father. Tharoor emphasized that Kharge's remarks were not intended to offend anyone and criticized the tendency to exaggerate issues in the political discourse. This incident occurred during an event in Patna, where Kharge's comments were misinterpreted, leading to significant political fallout. Tharoor's support for Kharge reflects his commitment to party unity, despite his history of independent viewpoints.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 26, 2026, 16:26 IST

Tharoor Stands by Kharge's Comments

New Delhi. In response to sharp criticisms from the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding remarks made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has come forward to defend party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Tharoor asserted that Kharge had no intention of disrespecting anyone and emphasized that there is a tendency in the country to exaggerate issues unnecessarily.

The controversy erupted during an event in Patna commemorating the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar's first Chief Minister, Sri Krishna Singh. During the event, a comment made by Kharge in response to an audience member's assertion about Modi's continued rule drew significant backlash from the BJP, which labeled it a violation of democratic decorum.

Speaking to the media in Delhi, Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, noted the growing trend of creating unnecessary drama over such matters. He clarified that Kharge's statement was merely a casual expression and that the intent was clear, urging that it should not be blown out of proportion.

It is worth mentioning that Tharoor, who was a candidate against Kharge in the 2022 Congress presidential elections, is known for his independent views on various issues. However, in this recent controversy, he has firmly aligned himself with the party's stance, offering strong support for the leadership.