Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 19: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged a difference of opinion with the party’s top leadership but affirmed that he is not quitting the party.

Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram after returning from an international diplomatic mission under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Tharoor said, “Yes, I have differences with the Congress leadership — that’s no secret. But I remain a Congressman. If they ask me directly, I’ll give them direct answers. I'm not going anywhere.”

Tharoor was addressing the media briefly while on his way to pay respects to senior Congress leader Thennala Balakrishna Pillai, who recently passed away.

His remarks come in the backdrop of criticism from within the party for accepting the government’s invitation to lead a diplomatic outreach — despite not being nominated by the Congress. His praise of Prime Minister Modi’s handling of cross-border terrorism has also drawn internal flak.

Adding fuel to the fire, Tharoor revealed he was not part of the Congress campaign for the Nilambur bypoll, stating curtly, “I was not invited.”

This statement triggered a sharp reaction from fellow Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan. “Nilambur is not someone’s wedding to send invitations for,” he snapped. “In our party, leaders inform their availability to the campaign committee — no one is ‘invited’.”

In a scathing attack, Unnithan added, “For some time now, Tharoor’s mind has been with Modi and his body with the Congress. Everyone except Tharoor knows where he’s headed. His only allegiance is to himself.”

Despite the public rift, Tharoor’s assertion of remaining within the Congress signals that, for now, the battle remains internal — but far from over.