PMO Shares Shashi Tharoor’s Article Praising Modi, Sparks Buzz About Political Rift

An opinion piece written by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for a leading English news platform gained unexpected attention after the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared it on social media platform X.

The article, titled Lessons from Operation Sindoor’s global outreach, was published by The Hindu on Monday morning. In it, Tharoor commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “energy, dynamism and willingness to engage (with other nations)” and called for stronger support for the Prime Minister’s global initiatives.

The PMO’s post sharing the article was simple, reading, “Lok Sabha MP and former Union Minister Dr Shashi Tharoor writes – Lessons from Operation Sindoor’s global outreach.”

Growing Speculation About Tharoor’s Political Future

The PMO’s decision to share Tharoor’s article has triggered widespread speculation, especially amid ongoing rumours of a high-profile switch from the Congress to the BJP.

The buzz has been further fuelled by criticism from within the Kerala Congress, where Tharoor has faced backlash for his seemingly positive remarks about Prime Minister Modi.

Tensions within the party became evident last week when Tharoor was noticeably absent from campaigning for the Congress during the Nilambur Assembly bypoll.

Although the Congress won the seat, Tharoor’s absence raised questions, especially given his stature as a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram.

Tharoor’s Remarks That Stirred Controversy

This is not the first time Tharoor’s praise for the Prime Minister has drawn criticism.

During a visit to Panama last month, he lauded the government’s response to terror attacks, referencing the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Modi government after the Uri terror attack.

The Congress was quick to respond, reminding Tharoor of similar military operations during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government.

Tharoor’s praise came during a five-country diplomatic tour, which included visits to the United States, Brazil, and Panama, aimed at rallying international support following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Congress Unhappy With Tharoor’s Participation in Delegations

Tharoor’s participation in the multi-party delegation, reportedly without consulting the Congress leadership, sparked internal dissent.

Some party members labelled him a “super spokesperson” for the BJP’s “publicity stunts” and accused him of flattering the Prime Minister.

Despite the criticism and speculation, Tharoor has consistently denied any plans to leave the Congress. Speaking to NDTV last week, he dismissed the rumours, describing the incidents as “differences of opinion… with only some elements of leadership.”

When asked to define his relationship with the Congress, Tharoor emphasised his loyalty, stating he had supported the party’s ideology for the past 16 years.

He added that while he led the government delegation, he remains part of the opposition and his role was solely focused on representing India internationally and strengthening the country’s stand against terrorism.

PMO’s Post Adds Fuel to Fire

The PMO’s decision to amplify Tharoor’s article has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding his political future.

In the article, Tharoor praised the government’s diplomatic outreach as a significant achievement, describing it as “vital in shaping global perceptions and consolidating international support.”

He added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remains a prime asset for India on the global stage, but deserves greater backing… The lessons learned—the power of unity, the efficacy of clear communication, the strategic value of soft power, and the imperative of sustained public diplomacy—will undoubtedly serve as guiding principles as India navigates an increasingly complex international landscape.”

Past Incidents of Disagreement with Congress

Tharoor’s strained ties with the Congress leadership are not new. Earlier this year, he faced criticism for praising the Kerala government’s new industrial policy in a newspaper article.

While Congress leaders attacked him for the remarks, Tharoor defended himself, stating, “When something good emerges, even if only in one area, it is petty not to acknowledge it.”

Another flashpoint occurred in May, when Tharoor publicly contradicted US President Donald Trump’s claim of brokering peace between India and Pakistan after India’s airstrikes on terror bases in Pakistan.

The Congress, at the time, was attempting to use Trump’s statement to target the Modi government.

Tharoor Denies Plans to Leave Congress

Last week, Tharoor admitted to having differences of opinion with the current Congress leadership but ruled out any intention of leaving the party.

He also clarified that he did not campaign for the party in the Nilambur bypolls because he was not invited. “I do not go where I am not invited,” he said.

When asked directly whether he planned to exit the Congress, Tharoor responded, “I am a member of the Congress party. Let the party decide what it thinks about me.”