Is Congress Divided Over Op Sindoor Outreach and the Tharoor-Raj Clash?
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Synopsis
Conflict brews in Congress as Tharoor lauds Modi's response to terrorism, igniting a fierce debate with Udit Raj. Can this divide impact the party's future?
Key Takeaways
- Tharoor praises Modi's counter-terrorism efforts.
- Udit Raj demands accountability from Tharoor.
- Internal party conflict highlights ideological divisions.
- Operation Sindoor aims to combat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
- The clash raises questions about Congress's future direction.
New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) While India's international efforts regarding Operation Sindoor have successfully garnered global attention towards Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, it has simultaneously ignited significant rifts within the Congress party. Shashi Tharoor and Udit Raj, both prominent figures in Congress, are embroiled in a heated dispute following Tharoor's commendation of the Modi government's robust response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, suggesting that such counter-terrorism actions were absent during the prior UPA regimes. Raj expressed his frustration, labeling Tharoor as a 'super spokesperson for the BJP' and accusing him of deviating from party principles.
The disagreement escalated on Thursday when the Thiruvananthapuram MP characterized the accusations against him as a 'distorted and twisted' effort to promote a particular agenda, likening his colleague to a 'troll'.
Tharoor dismissed concerns within the party regarding his admiration for the Modi administration, claiming that some extremists at home are aflame over his 'supposed ignorance of Indian valour', a charge he deemed utterly false.
Nevertheless, he clarified, 'I was clearly and explicitly speaking only about reprisals for terrorist attacks and not about previous wars.'
Udit Raj, however, remained steadfast in his criticism, insisting that Tharoor must apologize for undermining Congress's legacy of defending the nation's sovereignty and addressing its adversaries repeatedly.
“We have no issue with Tharoor engaging in ‘Modi-bhakti', but if he attempts to tarnish the Congress party's image and erase its historical contributions, he will receive a fitting response,” declared the Dalit representative in a sharp retort to Tharoor.
A cursory glance at their statements reveals the fierce exchange between these two Congress stalwarts.
'As usual, critics and trolls are welcome to distort my views and words as they please. I genuinely have better things to do,' Tharoor posted on X this morning while traveling from Panama to Bogota (Colombia), where he will reaffirm India's stance in the fight against cross-border terrorism.
Udit Raj’s response to the escalating conflict was equally pointed, stating, 'Tharoor cannot evade responsibility by utilizing English terminology and jargon. He must admit his mistake and show remorse.'
He also hinted at potential actions against the Congress MP, who is currently leading India's diplomatic efforts against Pakistan in major global centers, including the United States.
Notably, the feud between the two party veterans intensified on Wednesday night when Udit Raj's 'super spokesperson of BJP' remark received backing from Pawan Khera, the Chairman of Congress' Media and Publicity Department and a member of the Congress Working Committee.
This incident underscores the growing discontent within the grand old party regarding Tharoor’s increasing affinity for the BJP and his repeated praise for the Modi government.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that such internal disputes highlight the need for Congress to maintain a unified front in addressing national security issues. The divergence of opinions reflects the complex dynamics within the party, and it is vital for Congress to focus on its historical contributions while also adapting to contemporary challenges.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the disagreement between Tharoor and Raj?
The disagreement arose after Shashi Tharoor praised the Modi government's response to terrorism, suggesting previous UPA regimes failed to act similarly, which Udit Raj found objectionable.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is India's global outreach initiative aimed at raising awareness about Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
What accusations were made against Tharoor?
Udit Raj accused Tharoor of being a 'super spokesperson for the BJP' and claimed he was undermining the Congress party's historical contributions.
How did Tharoor respond to the backlash?
Tharoor dismissed the criticisms as distorted and emphasized his focus was solely on counter-terrorism responses.
What implications does this rift have for Congress?
This rift may impact Congress's unity and its ability to effectively address national security concerns, especially in the context of rising tensions with Pakistan.
