A fresh political controversy erupted on December 28, 2025, after remarks by Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor on India's foreign policy drew unexpected praise from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and triggered a sharp reaction within his own party. The episode has intensified the ongoing political face-off over issues of nationalism and opposition conduct on global platforms.
Tharoor's Statement Sparks Unusual Alliances
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that India's foreign policy belongs to the entire nation and is not the property of any single political party. This assertion, made in a public forum, was quickly seized upon by BJP leaders. They hailed Tharoor's comments as a powerful rebuttal to what they termed as Congress propaganda against India's interests on foreign soil. BJP spokespersons strategically used this endorsement to target senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of consistently undermining national interests in international arenas.
Congress Reacts With Mixed and Critical Voices
The reaction within the Congress party was far from unified, revealing visible internal fissures. While some leaders chose to remain silent, others openly criticised Tharoor and questioned his motives. These critics were quick to recall his past differences with the party's central leadership, suggesting his statement was out of sync with the party's current narrative. This mixed response highlighted the growing discord within the opposition party's ranks on how to approach and critique government policies, especially those related to diplomacy and national image.
Broader Political Implications and a Sharpened Divide
The incident has sharpened the political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress. The ruling party has successfully framed the discourse around patriotism and a unified national stance abroad. Conversely, the Congress finds itself navigating internal disagreements while countering allegations of harming the country's global standing. This episode underscores the increasingly contentious debate over nationalism, the sanctity of foreign policy, and the boundaries of political criticism on international platforms. It points to a deeper struggle within the opposition to formulate a coherent and effective strategy against the BJP's well-defined narrative of national interest.
The political sparring, centered on Tharoor's comments, is set to continue as both parties gear up for future electoral battles, with foreign policy and national pride remaining key battlegrounds.
