Is Shashi Tharoor Joining BJP? How His Cozying Up With Centre Making Congress Uncomfortable

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's growing proximity to the BJP-led central government has left many questioning whether the Thiruvananthapuram MP is subtly realigning his political loyalties.

Tharoor To Lead Multi Party Delegation

The latest flashpoint emerged after the Centre appointed Tharoor to lead a multi-party delegation abroad to explain India's stance on Operation Sindoor, the recent anti-terror strikes across the border. While the Congress had suggested names like Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring for the delegation, Tharoor's inclusion-without the party's official backing-has raised eyebrows.

BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya swiftly capitalized on the rift, questioning the Congress's reluctance to nominate Tharoor. "No one can deny Shashi Tharoor's eloquence, his UN experience, and his foreign policy expertise. So why did the Congress-especially Rahul Gandhi-ignore him? Insecurity? Jealousy? Or intolerance of anyone who outshines the 'high command'?" Malviya wrote on social media.

Former Karnataka CM and BJP MP Jagadish Shettar said, "We need to look at some Congress leaders and the statements they are making. They should learn from leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Chidambaram, who have given balanced and mature statements in the interest of the country. We must consider the circumstances and prioritize the nation's interest over individual or party interests. Regardless of party affiliations, it is commendable that Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Chidambaram have supported the Government of India's stance on the attack against Pakistan and terrorism..."

Tharoor has repeatedly found himself at odds with his party's official line. His vocal praise for Operation Sindoor-where he called the strikes "strong, well-planned" and in line with his own earlier suggestions-was seen as undermining the Congress's cautious stance on national security. "India wanted to teach terrorists a lesson, and I believe that lesson has been taught," he had said, drawing sharp reactions from within.

Adding to the discomfort was his presence alongside PM Narendra Modi at the Vizhinjam Port inauguration in Kerala, despite the Congress officially boycotting the event. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "Today, Shashi Tharoor is sitting here. Today's program will disturb the sleep of some people. The message has gone wherever it had to go."

Tharoor's frequent commendations of Modi's foreign policy have further strained his relationship with the party leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi.

Tharoor's Defence: 'Speaking as an Indian'

Facing internal criticism, Tharoor clarified that his statements were "personal" and not representative of the Congress. "I spoke as an Indian, not as a party spokesperson. At a time of conflict, it was important to rally around the flag," he told reporters. He also emphasized that he had received no official reprimand from the party.

However, Congress insiders suggest that his remarks during a closed-door meeting-where he described the strikes as "calibrated and calculated"-crossed a line. A senior leader anonymously told India Today, "Tharoor has crossed the Lakshman Rekha this time."

What Next?

Tharoor's enthusiastic acceptance of the Centre's delegation role-expressed in an "Jai Hind!"-laden post on X-has only fueled speculation. While he remains a Congress MP, his repeated alignment with the BJP's narrative has left many wondering if a formal shift is imminent.

For now, the Congress faces an awkward dilemma: rein in a high-profile dissenter or risk losing him to the other side.