Shashi Tharoor Faces Backlash for Praising PM Modi Amid Congress Tensions

Shashi Tharoor, an MP, has stirred controversy by praising PM Modi's diplomatic efforts, leading to backlash from Congress. His comments on Jammu and Kashmir's situation as improving have further fueled internal party tensions. Critics within Congress argue that Tharoor should engage more with local realities. This situation highlights the ongoing struggles of the Congress party as it navigates its stance on Jammu and Kashmir amidst accusations against the BJP. The contrasting views within the party raise questions about its unity and direction.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2026, 12:36 IST

Tharoor's Controversial Praise for Modi

Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament, has found himself in hot water once again after commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comes at a time when relations between Tharoor and the Congress party had recently improved ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections. However, his remarks regarding Modi's diplomatic approach during the West Asia crisis have reignited tensions. The Congress party officially criticized Tharoor on Saturday for his comments on Modi's effective strategy.

Criticism Over Jammu and Kashmir Remarks

Tharoor is also facing backlash from within his party for describing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as moving towards normalcy. He shared on X that he had a productive meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, discussing the state's conditions and the encouraging progress towards stability. He noted that upon his arrival, Sinha was engaging with leaders from the Kashmiri Writers Association and women's organizations, which he viewed as a positive development. Despite acknowledging ongoing challenges, Tharoor expressed a more optimistic outlook following the meeting.

Internal Party Discontent

This statement quickly drew sharp criticism, particularly from within the Congress party. Ravinder Sharma, the main spokesperson for Congress in Jammu and Kashmir, responded strongly, suggesting that Tharoor should have taken the time to meet with the local populace to grasp the ground realities better. He emphasized that the people of Kashmir were hoping for engagement to understand their situation, especially those party workers striving to regain the statehood lost seven years ago.

Congress's Struggles Amidst BJP Criticism

The timing is particularly challenging for Congress, which has consistently accused the BJP of reducing Jammu and Kashmir's status to a Union Territory and failing to restore normalcy. Tharoor's assertion of positive progress starkly contrasts with the party's official stance. BJP spokesperson Abhijit Jasrotia pointed out the irony in Congress's position, highlighting that while the party attacks the central government's Kashmir policy, the reality on the ground tells a different story. He noted that since the abrogation of Article 370, stone-pelting incidents have nearly ceased, and government data indicates that no Kashmiri youth have joined terrorist groups in the past 18 months.

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