Why is Tharoor Taking U-Turn on Same 3 Big Issues Where Congress Went on Front Foot?

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again taken a stand different from his party, this time on India’s ties with China. While Congress leaders have been attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being soft on Beijing, Tharoor said Modi’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping were an important step to restore balance. He hoped the government would stay firm on its approach. Earlier, Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of bowing before China and ignoring the Pakistan–China partnership, while senior leaders Salman Khurshid and Manish Tewari also warned that too much dependence on China could hurt India.

What did Shashi Tharoor say?

While Congress is cornering the government on the issue of China, Tharoor, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, said that Modi’s talks with Xi Jinping appear to be a continuation of the warmth that began at the end of last year. The Congress MP said that after what Trump has done, this step has become even more important. He said that we cannot afford the risk of becoming victims of both superpowers. We must, at the very least, build some practical relations with both, and since relations with America are clearly going through a rough patch, we must make every possible effort to strengthen ties with China.

What had he said on Operation Sindoor and Tariff?

This is not the first time Tharoor has given statements departing from the party line. He had also spoken differently on Tariff and Operation Sindoor. On tariffs, while Congress remained aggressive towards the government, Tharoor’s stance was softer. Calling America’s tariff move unnecessary, Tharoor said that Trump had not taken such punitive measures against China or the European Union, though both countries engage in far greater energy trade with Moscow. In a sarcastic tone, he also said that the U.S. itself buys uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and other chemicals from Russia for its industries. The Congress leader urged the government to retaliate by matching tariffs and expanding trade relations beyond the U.S. On Operation Sindoor, however, Tharoor openly stood with the Modi government. The government had even sent him abroad to represent India’s position. He fulfilled this responsibility strongly and countered Pakistan.

Why does Tharoor keep giving statements contrary to the party?

On foreign affairs particularly, Tharoor often gives statements that differ from the party. Experts say the reason for this is his ambition. Tharoor has been an expert in international affairs. He has worked at the United Nations. It is said that Tharoor was upset when Salman Khurshid was made head of the external affairs department. Tharoor comes from Kerala.

Elections will be held there in 2026. He has long had his eyes on the Chief Minister’s post. It is said that if this time the party does not project him as the CM face, he may choose a different path. The BJP would be eager to welcome him, as it needs a big face in Kerala. Apart from this, he is also eyeing 2029 for his political future. If things don’t work out in Kerala, he has his sights on 2029. If the Modi government comes back to power again, the BJP would hardly hold back from rewarding him. Experts say that he has a strong case for the post of External Affairs Minister, and he has also worked in the HRD Ministry. If things don’t fall into place in the Foreign Ministry, he could be offered the option of the HRD Ministry.

Ideology may become a hurdle

In the corridors of the Sangh Parivar, Tharoor’s ideology is the very path where he could face setbacks. Statements like “We will not let India become a Hindu Pakistan” had made him a target of the Sangh Parivar’s anger. If ever his liberal stance comes in the way of his right-wing positioning, it could potentially create obstacles for him.