Internal Discontent Surfaces as Party Leadership Asserts Need for Unified Messaging
New Delhi: The Congress leadership has reportedly expressed strong disapproval of senior leader Shashi Tharoor’s repeated public remarks regarding the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, with party insiders saying he has “crossed the Lakshman Rekha.”
According to sources, the comments came following a high-level meeting held at the Congress headquarters on 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, and Tharoor himself.
Party insiders said,
“Congress is a democratic party and leaders are free to express their opinions, but this is not the time for personal positioning. Tharoor’s repeated statements have crossed the line."
Without directly naming Tharoor, senior leaders present at the meeting are said to have delivered a clear message that all leaders must “amplify the party’s collective stand,” especially on sensitive national security matters.
Tharoor's Remarks Stir Controversy
Shashi Tharoor had earlier praised aspects of the Centre's handling of the India-Pakistan crisis following Operation Sindoor, in contrast to the Congress party’s more restrained stance on the issue.
His remarks were viewed by many within the party as undermining its position at a time when it is trying to highlight institutional weaknesses and diplomatic concerns over the handling of border tensions.
Party Distances Itself
When asked if Tharoor’s statements aligned with the party's position, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh told reporters:
"That is his opinion. When Tharoor speaks, it does not reflect the official views of the Indian National Congress."
Ramesh’s statement is being seen as an attempt to contain internal damage while reinforcing the party’s core message ahead of upcoming elections and heightened national security tensions.
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