Internal Disputes Emerge Among Congress Leaders Over Shashi Tharoor's Comments
Tensions are escalating within the Congress party as senior leader Shashi Tharoor's recent social media posts spark sharp exchanges among party members. Following a veiled criticism from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Tharoor's metaphorical remarks about freedom and flying have drawn responses from fellow leaders, including MP Manickam Tagore. The discord has intensified since Tharoor's appointment to lead a diplomatic delegation after a terrorist attack, with his public praise for the Modi government causing further unrest. This internal strife highlights the growing rifts within the party as it navigates its position in Indian politics.
| Jun 26, 2025, 17:22 IST
Rising Tensions Within Congress
Differences among senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and other prominent party figures are becoming increasingly evident, marked by heated discussions on social media featuring cryptic posts and sharp rebuttals. Following a veiled jab from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who remarked that for some, 'Modi comes first,' but for the main opposition party, the nation takes precedence, Tharoor shared an image of a soaring bird. He captioned it, 'Do not ask for permission to fly. The wings are yours, and the sky belongs to no one.' This post was widely interpreted as a response to criticism from within his own party.
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Congress MP Manickam Tagore quickly retaliated with a warning related to birds. He stated, 'Do not ask for permission to fly. Birds do not need permission to soar. However, today, even a free bird must watch the sky - hawks, vultures, and 'kites' are always hunting.' He cautioned that freedom is not free, especially when 'predatory patriotism wears wings.' Tagore's post included images of hunting birds, serving as a clear symbolic jab in the ongoing tussle.
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Since Tharoor was appointed to lead a multi-party delegation abroad as part of India's diplomatic efforts following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, tensions have escalated. The Modi government's handling of the situation, particularly Tharoor's repeated praise for Operation Sindoor, has not sat well with Congress. His public remarks, including a recent newspaper column where he described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage' as a 'major asset for India,' have further heightened unease within the party.