The Congress party on Wednesday took note of senior leader Shashi Tharoor’s repeated public remarks on the India-Pakistan conflict in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, with party sources indicating that he may have “crossed a red line.”
While reiterating that the Congress is a democratic party that allows space for diverse opinions, party insiders said Tharoor had breached the ‘Lakshman Rekha’ by making statements inconsistent with the party’s official stand at a sensitive time.
The developments followed a high-level meeting at the Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sachin Pilot, and Shashi Tharoor himself.
Party Seeks Unity in Messaging
According to sources, the party leadership delivered a “clear message” during the meeting—this is not the time for airing individual opinions, but for amplifying the party’s collective position, especially on issues of national security and foreign policy.
Without naming Tharoor, party leaders stressed the need for discipline and cohesion, suggesting that deviations from the party line in such matters could cause unnecessary confusion and controversy.
When asked at a media briefing whether Tharoor’s views contradicted the official party stance, Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh responded:
“That is his opinion. When Mr. Tharoor speaks, it does not reflect the views of the party.”
Operation Sindoor and Ceasefire Questions
The Congress has praised the armed forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror operation that followed the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed.
However, the party has criticized the Modi government for what it called a sudden and unexplained ceasefire announcement, a move that was initially floated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Congress leaders have questioned the timing and motivation behind the government’s decision, calling for greater transparency and clarity in its Pakistan policy.
Tensions Within
This is not the first time Tharoor has stirred internal debate within the party. Known for his independent voice, he has on multiple occasions articulated views that do not entirely align with the party’s official line. While this has sometimes been tolerated as part of the Congress’s broad tent, party insiders now suggest that security-related matters demand a unified voice, especially amid heightened tensions.
Whether the party will take formal disciplinary action or opt for internal resolution remains to be seen.
