Did Shashi Tharoor Just Become the BJP’s Super Spokesperson?

New Delhi, May 28 (NationPress) BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday vehemently condemned Congress leader Udit Raj for referring to Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor as the "super spokesperson of the BJP." Poonawalla questioned the Congress's apparent discomfort with Tharoor's remarks, which he believes reflect national interest rather than partisan politics.

The controversy began when Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation as part of a global outreach initiative, spoke during a visit to Panama. He commented on India's evolving security policy, stating that in recent years, India's approach to terrorism has shifted, and terrorists are now aware they will face repercussions for their actions.

In a strong reaction, Udit Raj took to the social media platform X to criticize Tharoor’s statement.

In a post, Raj wrote, “My dear @ShashiTharoor. Alas! I could prevail upon PM Modi to declare you as the super spokesperson of the BJP, even declaring you as the foreign minister before landing in India. How could you denigrate the golden history of Congress by suggesting that before PM Modi, India never crossed the LoC or international border? In 1965, the Indian Army entered Pakistan at multiple points, surprising the Pakistanis in the Lahore sector. In 1971, India split Pakistan into two, and during the UPA government, several surgical strikes were conducted without politicising them. How could you be so dishonest to the party that gave you so much?”

In response, Shehzad Poonawalla defended Tharoor and accused Congress of hypocrisy.

Speaking to IANS, he commented, “When Pakistan is exposed on the international stage, why does the Congress experience stomach pain? Is it because Tharoor is prioritising national interest over party lines? If someone speaks for India, does that automatically mean he speaks for the BJP? Why is Tharoor being attacked for speaking the truth?”

Poonawalla further alleged that Rahul Gandhi had instructed Udit Raj to criticize Tharoor.

“This is not about party politics. Tharoor is discussing national policy, not party ideology. There is nothing wrong with his statement. If praising the Indian Army and calling out Pakistan’s actions makes someone anti-Congress, then the party needs to introspect,” he added.

He continued, “Now, if Congress has a problem with anyone standing up for India or criticising Pakistan, then what does that say about them? It seems Congress is acting like a Pakistan Prashast Party (PPP) or a YouTube channel of Pakistan.”

Poonawalla also commented on BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent claim that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had requested then-US President Ronald Reagan to mediate between India and Pakistan.

“Dubey has exposed how Congress, during its rule, engaged in foreign-mediated negotiations with Pakistan, despite claiming otherwise. Rahul Gandhi is misleading the public by denying these historical facts,” he said.

He also referenced other instances from India's history to question the Congress's management of national security issues.

“Former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram had urged then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or Kartarpur during the 1971 war. Yet, under pressure, Indira Gandhi agreed to a ceasefire. We also ceded significant territory to Pakistan in the 1960s. Why are these questions not being answered?” Poonawalla asked.

The BJP leader concluded by challenging the Congress's historical decisions.

“Who gave away PoK? Who ignored Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s recommendations? If Patel had been heeded, we might not have had the PoK issue today. And why did we approach the United Nations on the matter? These are the real questions the Congress must answer,” he concluded.