Shashi Tharoor Responds to Congress Criticism Over Terrorism Remarks
Tharoor Addresses Criticism from Congress Leaders
Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, is currently leading a multi-party delegation aimed at conveying India's firm stance against terrorism globally. Recently, he faced backlash from various party members who labeled him a 'BJP spokesperson' due to his comments made in Panama. Tharoor remarked that India's approach to terrorism has evolved, indicating that terrorists now understand they will face consequences. His references to the Uri Surgical Strike and the Balakot Air Strike, both executed during Prime Minister Modi's administration, did not sit well with some Congress leaders.
Tharoor Responds to Accusations
The conflict has escalated, with several prominent Congress figures publicly criticizing Tharoor, accusing him of being an ally of the BJP. In response, Tharoor stated he has no time to engage with trolls. He clarified his statements made in Panama, addressing the 'zealots' who criticized his understanding of India's military history. He emphasized that his comments were specifically about responses to terrorist attacks, not historical conflicts.
Tharoor expressed on X, 'After a long and successful day in Panama, I have to wind up at midnight here with departure for Bogota, Colombia in six hours, so I don’t really have time for this — but anyway: For those zealots fulminating about my supposed ignorance of Indian valour across the LoC: in the past.'
Tharoor Welcomes Criticism
He also invited critics to interpret his views as they wish, concluding his post with a reminder that he has more important matters to attend to. 'But as usual, critics and trolls are welcome to distort my views and words as they see fit. I genuinely have better things to do. Goodnight,' Tharoor stated.
After a long and successful day in Panama, I have to wind up at midnight here with departure for Bogota, Colombia in six hours, so I don’t really have time for this — but anyway: For those zealots fulminating about my supposed ignorance of Indian valour across the LoC: in the…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 29, 2025
Details of Tharoor's Remarks in Panama
During his speech in Panama, Tharoor stated, 'This time, we crossed not only the Line of Control but also the international border, and we struck the terrorist headquarters in Balakot. This time, we have gone beyond both of those. We have not only gone beyond the Line of Control and the international border. We have struck at the Punjabi heartland of Pakistan by hitting terror bases, training centres, and terror headquarters in nine places.'
His comments were met with disapproval from Congress leaders like Udit Raj, Pawan Khera, and Jairam Ramesh, who accused him of damaging the party's reputation and undermining the achievements of the UPA in combating terrorism.
Congress leader Udit Raj remarked, 'Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is the super spokesperson of the BJP, and what the BJP leaders are not saying, speaking in favour of PM Modi and the government, Shashi Tharoor is doing… Does he even know what the earlier governments used to do? They (the Central government) are taking credit for the Indian Armed Forces. Shashi Tharoor has become the spokesperson for the publicity stunts of the BJP.'