“I have been part of Congress for 16 years. I have some differing opinions within the party, and I will address them internally… For now, I won’t discuss it. I prefer to meet and talk when the time is right, and I will share my thoughts then,” Tharoor remarked during a media interaction in Thiruvananthapuram.
While refraining from specifying whether these differences were at the state or national level, Tharoor indicated that “some of these issues are already public and have been reported by you (the media).”
Regarding his absence from the Nilambur campaign, the Thiruvananthapuram MP clarified that he was not invited—mirroring a similar situation during the Wayanad bypoll.
“I do not attend places where I am not invited,” he emphasized, while conveying his best wishes for the UDF candidate and expressing hope for the workers’ efforts to yield positive results.
When asked about his recent discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tharoor specified that the conversation was strictly related to the MP delegation’s overseas visits for Operation Sindoor, dismissing any political implications.
“The discussion with the PM revolved solely around issues pertaining to the MPs’ delegation. When a matter arises for the nation, it is our duty to support it. If my country needs my service, I am always prepared,” he stated.
Defending his role in leading a government delegation abroad, Tharoor reaffirmed his position as chair of the External Affairs Committee: he is committed to India’s foreign policy, rather than any specific party line.
“My stance hasn’t changed. When a national issue arises, we all have a duty to advocate for the country. What I articulated during Operation Sindoor was my personal view. The Centre called upon my services. My party did not. Therefore, I fulfilled my role with pride as an Indian citizen.”
Tharoor’s comments come amidst noticeable absences from the campaign trail, while senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, are actively campaigning in Nilambur.
His statements at a diaspora event in Panama, where he characterized Operation Sindoor as a pivotal moment in India’s military policy—“For the first time, India crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to target a terrorist base… Even during the Kargil War, we did not cross the LoC”—also attracted criticism from some within his own party.
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