After the Pahalgam terror attack, a rare sense of unity emerged in Indian politics, reflected in the Modi government’s initiative to send bipartisan delegations abroad under Operation Sindoor. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was chosen to head one of these delegations — a recognition of his diplomatic skill and stature. However, instead of celebrating this, the Congress party responded by releasing its own list of four leaders, surprisingly excluding Tharoor, and then accused the government of bias.
This reaction reveals internal discord within Congress and has embarrassed the party. While other opposition parties like the DMK and NCP accepted the invitation without hesitation, Congress appeared divided and out of sync. Adding to the confusion, the party distanced itself from senior leader P. Chidambaram after he voiced concerns about the fragile INDIA bloc — again highlighting internal tensions.
Tharoor, a widely respected voice across political lines, has often unsettled Congress with his praise for both the Modi and Vijayan governments. Party functionary Jairam Ramesh’s cryptic remark that the four selected Congress leaders were speaking from their “conscience” raises an important question: What exactly is the Congress’s official stand on Operation Sindoor?
Instead of pushing for a special parliamentary session or blaming the government for rejecting its preferred list, Congress should clarify whether it supports the operation unconditionally, aligns with Rahul Gandhi’s criticism, or holds a middle-ground view. Attacking Tharoor or acting slighted won’t help define that position.
