‘Appreciation, Not Affiliation’: Shashi Tharoor Distances Himself from BJP Speculation

‘Not Joining BJP’: Shashi Tharoor Clarifies After Praising PM Modi, Hails National Unity on Foreign Policy.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has clarified that his recent praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not a signal of switching sides to the BJP, as speculated following his article in The Hindu. Tharoor said his remarks about Modi’s “energy, dynamism and willingness to engage” were strictly in reference to India’s diplomatic efforts during Operation Sindoor, and not an endorsement of the BJP or its policies.

“It is not a sign of me leaping to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party,” he said. “It is a statement of national unity.” Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Tharoor emphasized that foreign policy is a matter of national interest, not party politics.

“There is no such thing as the BJP’s foreign policy or the Congress’s foreign policy. There is only Indian foreign policy,” he said, reiterating a position he has held since becoming chairman of Parliament’s External Affairs Committee in 2013.

Article Sparks Political Reactions
In his op-ed published Monday, Tharoor had described Modi’s global outreach as a “prime asset” for India and said it deserved stronger backing. He praised the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor, calling it a moment of “effective communication and national resolve.”

The piece drew wide attention after it was shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, with the caption:

“Lok Sabha MP and former Union Minister Dr. Shashi Tharoor writes—Lessons from Operation Sindoor’s global outreach.”

BJP Seizes on Remarks
The BJP reacted quickly. Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari claimed Tharoor had “exposed” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and acknowledged Modi’s strategic strengths. “Tharoor admits PM Modi’s dynamism and global outreach are a strategic advantage,” Bhandari posted on X.

Tharoor’s position comes amid reports of growing friction between him and the Congress leadership, particularly over his remarks on foreign policy and India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack. His views have often contrasted with his party’s more critical stance on Modi’s diplomacy.

Despite internal criticism, Tharoor reiterated that his views are rooted in national interest, not political calculation.