Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor firmly stated on Saturday, 19 July 2025, that his primary allegiance lies with India, not party politics, comments that underline mounting tensions within Congress. Speaking at a public event in Kochi on peace, harmony and national development, he responded to a pupil’s question by emphasising that, when it comes to national security, cross‑party collaboration is sometimes essential.
During the interaction, the MP cited his convictions:
“Which is your first loyalty? To my mind, the nation comes first. Parties are a means of making the nation better. So to my mind, whichever party you belong to, the objective of that party is to create a better India in its own way.”
He acknowledged that taking collaborative stances can be perceived as disloyal by some within one’s own party:
“Sometimes the parties feel that is disloyal to them. That becomes a big problem.”
Tharoor’s declaration follows criticism within Congress, sparked partly by his remarks during Operation Sindoor. India’s counter‑terror response to the Pahalgam attack, and an article applauding the government’s handling of the crisis . Some in Congress felt his praise of Prime Minister Modi’s “energy and dynamism” contradicted the party line.
Defending his position, Tharoor said:
“A lot of people have been very critical of me because of the stand I have taken … supporting our armed forces and our government. But I will stand my ground because I believe this is the right thing for the country.”
He clarified that speaking for the nation means speaking for all Indians, beyond party affiliations:
“When I speak of India, I speak for all Indians, not just those who may like my party.”
In a gentle rebuke to party critics, Tharoor quoted Jawaharlal Nehru:
“Who lives if India dies?” stressing that India’s survival must take precedence over partisan rivalries.
His remarks follow broader unease in Congress. Ahead of the Nilambur by‑election in June, Tharoor felt sidelined and refrained from campaigning, despite being listed as a star campaigner, leading him to remark that he would pursue internal dialogue with the party on differences. The state unit has since adopted a cautious silence to contain the fallout.
Tharoor’s stance has amplified speculation over a possible divide between him and Congress leaders. Analysts say these public exchanges, through speeches, tweets featuring bird metaphors, and media articles, underscore a deeper debate: balancing national interest with party discipline.
Despite the tensions, Tharoor reaffirmed his loyalty to Congress, describing current differences as matters to be resolved internally rather than pursued through public confrontation.
As the party prepares for the 2026 Kerala Assembly polls, observers note that maintaining party unity alongside national cohesion will be a central test, not only for Tharoor but for Congress itself.
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