Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has issued a strong and impassioned response to critics within his own party, who have recently questioned his loyalty following his public remarks that seemed to appreciate certain aspects of the Narendra Modi-led government. Tharoor’s sharp counter came through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he addressed what he called the "zealots" within the Congress who have targeted him for allegedly being too soft on the ruling BJP.

In a message laced with both frustration and resolve, Tharoor wrote, “For those zealots who question my loyalty, I have spent 15 years of my life defending, promoting and campaigning for the Indian National Congress, including at times when it was not easy to do so — and without ever leaving or betraying the party.” His remarks appear to be a direct retort to members within the Congress who have raised eyebrows over some of his recent statements in which he acknowledged the government’s work in certain areas, particularly cultural initiatives and infrastructure development.

Tharoor’s comments came amid a simmering unease in the Congress over the tone and content of his public pronouncements, which some believe blur the line between constructive criticism and political endorsement. While the party is trying to mount a united front against the BJP ahead of major electoral battles, Tharoor’s willingness to praise the Modi government’s restoration of temples and celebration of Indian heritage has not gone down well with more hardline Congress loyalists.

Tharoor defended his position, stating that acknowledging the good work of political opponents does not amount to ideological compromise. “We must be mature enough as a party to recognize merit where it exists, without seeing it as a betrayal,” he implied. He pointed out that it is possible to stay true to Congress’s foundational values while also adopting a more nuanced approach in evaluating the work of other political actors.

The Congress leader from Thiruvananthapuram has long been seen as a thinker and reformist within the party — someone unafraid to speak his mind. His decision to contest the Congress presidential election in 2022 against the high command-backed candidate Mallikarjun Kharge had already marked him as a voice of change within the organisation. Although he lost the election, Tharoor’s campaign was praised by many for energizing the internal debate on democracy and transparency within the party.

Tharoor expressed disappointment that some within the Congress seem to view independent thinking and articulation as disloyalty. “It’s a pity that a few prefer blind obedience over thoughtful engagement,” he seemed to suggest. His message was also a reminder of his long-standing commitment to the Congress, having remained with the party even during its most difficult political periods.

The backlash against Tharoor comes at a delicate time for the Congress, which is struggling to redefine its narrative and regain lost ground nationally. The party’s leadership has not officially responded to Tharoor’s remarks, but his statement has stirred discussions in political circles about whether Congress is open to ideological diversity or remains trapped in old paradigms.

Tharoor's words are not just a defense of his individual stance but also an implicit challenge to the Congress to embrace broader internal dialogue. With elections looming large, whether the party sees voices like Tharoor’s as a threat or an asset could significantly shape its future trajectory. His declaration — that he never left or betrayed the party — serves both as a personal affirmation and a broader call for introspection within the ranks of the Congress.