Congress on Saturday sharply criticized its own MP Shashi Tharoor for backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at the G7 summit regarding the safety of Indian sailors. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera accused Tharoor of crossing all limits, suggesting he could hear what Modi did not even say.
Khera Questions Tharoor's Stance
Addressing the press, Khera said he had not seen Tharoor's statement but noted that the joint India-US statement made no mention of the killing of three Indian sailors by the United States in the Gulf of Oman. He also pointed out that the statement did not challenge former President Donald Trump's repeated claim about halting Operation Sindoor or address the attack on the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena.
“He (Tharoor) now seems capable of hearing what Modi doesn't even say,” Khera remarked, questioning the MP's admiration for the Prime Minister.
Tharoor Defends His Comments
In response, Tharoor expressed disappointment that the safety of Indian sailors was being viewed through a partisan lens. “Frankly, I find it extraordinary that a statement about protecting Indian civilian sailors is being twisted into a partisan political controversy,” he said.
Tharoor emphasized that three Indians lost their lives and that his remarks were focused on the principle that civilian seafarers should never be targets of military action. “If some people are more interested in scoring political points than addressing that concern, that says more about them than it does about me. Concern for Indian lives should unite us, not divide us,” he added.
BJP Seizes Opportunity
The ruling BJP was quick to capitalize on the internal Congress rift. Party leader Pradeep Bhandari said Tharoor's open praise for the Prime Minister had exposed Rahul Gandhi's position. “Tharoor has exposed Rahul. Congress leaders are openly praising PM Modi's diplomacy… When it comes to protecting India's national interest, Rahul leaves everyone behind,” Bhandari stated.
Background: PM Modi's G7 Remarks
Prime Minister Modi, during the G7 summit, stressed the safety of Indian sailors, a statement that drew contrasting reactions from Congress leaders. While Rahul Gandhi criticized the government's handling of the issue, Tharoor supported the Prime Minister's emphasis on protecting Indian citizens abroad.
