Shashi Tharoor Plays Down Congress Rift, Says Differences Should Be Settled ‘Behind Closed Doors’

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 23:43 IST

Shashi Tharoor said that while there may be occasional differences with “some elements of leadership,” they are best addressed privately.

Shashi Tharoor (PTI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sought to downplay reports of internal friction within the party, asserting that while there may be occasional differences with “some elements of leadership," they are best addressed privately.

“I have been loyal to the Congress for 16 years, and if there are any differences, they should be discussed behind closed doors with the people concerned," he told NDTV.

Shashi Tharoor’s remarks come amid persistent speculation about his strained ties with sections of the Congress leadership, especially following his participation in the government-led Operation Sindoor outreach- a move that reportedly upset some within the party. More recently, questions were raised over his absence from the campaign trail during the Nilambur by-election in Kerala.

Clarifying his stance, Shashi Tharoor said he had not been invited but wished the Congress candidate well and had expressed support publicly. “I said I wished him all success. He is a friend of mine," he said.

Shashi Tharoor maintained a conciliatory tone, saying, “This is hardly the time to discuss such matters," adding that his focus remains on strengthening the party and serving the people.

Shashi Tharoor vs Congress Over Operation Sindoor Outreach

Signs of a rift surfaced when Shashi Tharoor was excluded from the party’s recommendation list for all-party delegations to 33 nations after Operation Sindoor- a move widely seen as a signal of displeasure from the central leadership. After his government nomination to the Operation Sindoor initiative, he was accused by internal critics of endorsing the BJP’s narrative- charges he has strongly denied.

At the time of his selection, Shashi Tharoor- who is also the head of parliamentary panel on foreign affairs in India- said, “I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!"

Mallika Soni

When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

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Delhi, India, India

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