Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again found himself at the centre of a political controversy after his comments on the improving situation in Jammu and Kashmir drew sharp reactions from leaders within his own party. A social media post describing “encouraging progress towards normalcy” in the Union Territory has triggered a fresh internal debate over the Congress leader’s position.
Tharoor Shares Optimistic Assessment After LG Meeting
During his visit to Srinagar, Tharoor met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan and later shared details of the interaction on X.
Posting about the meeting, Tharoor wrote, “In Srinagar! Had the honour of an excellent meeting with Lieutenant-Governor Shri @manojsinha_at Lok Bhavan today. We discussed the situation in the state and the encouraging progress towards normalcy.”
He further added, “When I arrived he was chatting to the President of the Kashmiri Writers’ Association and the Women’s Organisation — a positive outreach that I welcomed. Many challenges remain and much remains to be done, but I left the meeting feeling more positives than I have felt for a while.”
J&K Congress Chief Counters Tharoor
The remarks did not go down well with the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee leadership.
State Congress chief Ravinder Sharma publicly urged Tharoor to interact with ordinary residents and party workers before forming conclusions about the situation.
In his response on X, Sharma said, “People of Kashmir too were expecting you to meet them to have a better understanding of the ground realities. Atleast could’ve spared sometime to meet own partymen fighting for statehood snatched from us 7 years ago.”
The criticism has once again highlighted differing views within the Congress on the political and administrative situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Second Controversy in Days
The latest episode comes just days after Tharoor faced criticism from Congress colleagues over his reported remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reports suggested that Tharoor had acknowledged the Prime Minister’s handling of discussions with US President Donald Trump following the deaths of three Indian sailors during a US naval blockade, prompting criticism from sections of the party.
Congress leaders argued that Tharoor’s comments appeared to go beyond routine political observations, sparking another round of internal debate.
Tharoor Rejects Political Interpretation
Responding to the backlash, Tharoor dismissed claims that he was praising the Prime Minister and insisted his remarks were solely focused on the protection of Indian citizens.
He said, “Frankly, I find it extraordinary that a statement about protecting Indian civilian sailors is being twisted into a partisan political controversy. Three Indians lost their lives. My remarks were about the safety of our citizens and the principle that civilian seafarers should never be targets of military action.”
Internal Differences Back in Spotlight
With criticism emerging from within the party over both his Jammu and Kashmir remarks and his comments on national issues, Tharoor’s recent statements have once again brought internal Congress differences into public view, raising questions about the party’s messaging on key political and national security matters.
