Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 24: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday sought to clarify that his recent opinion piece praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership post-Operation Sindoor should not be misconstrued as a sign of him joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The article, published in a leading English daily and later shared by the Prime Minister's Office on social media, had drawn attention for describing Modi as a "prime asset" and calling for ‘greater support’ for his global outreach efforts. This public appreciation came as a surprise to many, especially within Congress circles, prompting speculation of a political switch.

Tharoor, a four-time Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, clarified, “It is not a sign of my leaping to join the Prime Minister's party... as some people have, unfortunately, been implying. It is a statement of national unity... national interest... and standing up for India.”

He maintained that the article focused solely on the success of Operation Sindoor’s diplomatic mission, which followed India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor was among the few opposition MPs selected to represent India in a five-nation global outreach campaign, including a visit to the United States. His leadership of the delegation and subsequent positive comments on Modi’s diplomacy sparked further murmurs of growing proximity with the BJP.

“I did so to serve India, and I am very proud to have had the opportunity. Political differences should stop at the border. There is no BJP or Congress foreign policy — only Indian foreign policy and national interest,” Tharoor stated.

Addressing criticisms from within the Congress, where some labelled him a "super spokesperson" for BJP's "publicity stunts", Tharoor responded, “What we all did was support the PM’s efforts by showcasing India's unity — that across political lines and religions, we stand together on matters of national importance.”

He acknowledged Modi’s extensive global engagement, stating, “The Prime Minister has travelled to more countries than any of his predecessors to take India’s message around the world. In my article, I simply recognised that dynamism.”

Tharoor also touched on his strained ties with Congress leadership, especially since aligning with the ‘G-23’ group of dissenters who had questioned the party’s internal functioning post-election losses. Despite the friction, he insisted he remains loyal to Congress.

“I have been loyal to the Congress and its ideology for the last 16 years,” he told NDTV, adding that recent disagreements were “differences of opinion with only some elements of the leadership.”

His remarks are being closely watched as speculation continues over his political future — whether he will remain with Congress or chart a different path. For now, Tharoor insists he stands firm in service to India, beyond party lines.