Will Shashi Tharoor Join BJP? Congress MP Quashes Speculation

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defended his recent article on Operation Sindoor's global outreach on Tuesday, clarifying that it was not an attempt to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, but rather a statement of national unity.

In the article published, Tharoor praised PM Modi’s energy and dynamism, calling them “an asset for India” on the global stage, while emphasizing that this deserves stronger support. He also described Operation Sindoor as “a moment of national resolve,” highlighting the importance of unity and public diplomacy for the country.

Tharoor led one of seven Indian delegations that traveled to Panama, Guyana, Colombia, Brazil, and the United States to present India’s stance on terrorism and brief officials about Operation Sindoor.

His comments, however, sparked speculation that he was trying to distance himself from the Congress party and align with the BJP, which some see as adding strain to already tense party relations.

At an event in Moscow, when asked about the article, Tharoor responded firmly: “It is not a sign of me jumping to join the prime minister’s party, as some have suggested. It’s a statement of national unity and standing up for India — which is why I returned to India after 25 years at the UN.”

Speaking about leading the delegation, Tharoor said it was “an opportunity to serve India” and that he was “very proud” to do so. He clarified that although he did praise the Prime Minister, the main focus of the article was Operation Sindoor, and noted that people often interpret such things through the lens of current politics.