Shashi Tharoor clarifies remarks on India-Pakistan row, says views personal amid Congress disapproval

NEW DELHI: A day after the Congress distanced itself from Shashi Tharoor’s remarks on the India-Pakistan conflict made during media interviews, differing opinions have surfaced within the party.

Sources indicate that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has cautioned Tharoor for stepping beyond party lines. Responding to the backlash, Tharoor on Thursday clarified that his statements were made in a personal capacity and do not represent the party’s official stance.

Despite his explanation, several Congress leaders expressed disapproval of Tharoor’s apparent support for the Modi government’s handling of the issue. Some felt Modi’s foreign policy had isolated India globally and made it a subject of ridicule.

Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty criticized the government’s foreign policy as a failure and said it was the responsibility of all Indian leaders to call it out in the interest of the nation.

“Regardless of what MPs from Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruchirapalli or Thane say in English, Tamil or Marathi, the facts are clear. US President Trump has equated India and Pakistan, referred to Kashmir as an international issue, and pushed India into agreeing to a ceasefire,” Chakravarty said.

Echoing the party’s position, AICC leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters that Tharoor’s views were his own and not reflective of Congress policy. “That is his opinion. When Tharoor speaks, it is his view, not the party’s,” he stated.

Tharoor defended himself, reiterating that his remarks were personal contributions to the national conversation. “I made it very clear that these are my own views. At a time when we need to rally around the flag internationally, I felt it was important to share India’s perspective, especially where it was not being heard — in the US, Europe, and the Middle East,” he explained.

He also dismissed reports that senior CWC leaders believe he had overstepped with his statements on Operation Sindoor and Trump’s mediation efforts. “I spoke as an Indian and a proud citizen. I never claimed to represent the party or the government. You can agree or disagree with me, but hold me personally accountable,” Tharoor said.