Congress MP Udit Raj Calls Tharoor “Super Spokesperson of BJP” Over His Remarks on Cross-Border Strikes and Operation Sindoor
A new intra-party conflict has erupted in the Congress as senior leader Udit Raj publicly criticized Shashi Tharoor, calling him the “super spokesperson of BJP.” The controversy was triggered after Tharoor, while heading an all-party parliamentary delegation abroad, praised the Modi government’s military actions under Operation Sindoor, which followed the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor’s strong backing of India’s cross-border operations and national security strategy has not sat well with several Congress figures, sparking an internal debate over political alignment and diplomatic representation.
This internal clash reflects the ongoing ideological turbulence within the Congress party, especially on matters of national security, and underlines the complex interplay between foreign diplomacy and domestic politics.
Tharoor’s Pro-India, Pro-Government Statements Abroad
Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party parliamentary outreach delegation under India’s diplomatic initiative linked to Operation Sindoor, made a series of remarks praising India’s retaliatory strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK. In his international addresses, Tharoor stated that India crossed both the Line of Control and, in some cases, the international border to strike at terror infrastructure—actions which he described as unprecedented.
Tharoor emphasized the need for global solidarity against terrorism, particularly after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, and cited India’s cross-border operations as a model response. He also stated that such military resolve was not displayed during previous administrations, a remark interpreted as a veiled critique of the UPA-era response mechanisms. These statements aligned strongly with the narrative projected by the BJP-led central government, prompting accusations from within his own party of endorsing BJP positions on national security matters.
Udit Raj’s Sharp Rebuttal and Congress Discomfort
Udit Raj, a former bureaucrat and Dalit leader within the Congress, took sharp exception to Tharoor’s remarks. In a social media post and subsequent media interactions, he sarcastically suggested the BJP appoint Tharoor as its “super spokesperson,” reflecting widespread unease within sections of the Congress about Tharoor’s perceived endorsement of the Modi government’s actions.
My dear @ShashiTharoor
— Dr. Udit Raj (@Dr_Uditraj) May 28, 2025
Alas ! I could prevail upon PM Modi to declare you as super spokesperson of BJP , even declaring as foreign minister before landing in India . How could you denigrate the golden history of Congress by saying that before PM Modi , India never crossed LOC… https://t.co/c88b8rX2bq
Other Congress spokespersons countered Tharoor’s narrative, asserting that surgical strikes were also conducted under the UPA, though not publicized for political mileage. The party’s communication team appeared blindsided by Tharoor’s tone abroad, particularly since he was representing India on a bipartisan platform but used language perceived as partisan.
Udit Raj’s comments underline the internal ideological rift within the Congress, especially regarding how to engage with nationalistic rhetoric and the BJP’s branding of counter-terrorism operations. It raises questions about whether the Congress has a cohesive national security stance or is caught between ideological lines.
Tharoor’s Silence and Focus on Diplomacy
Shashi Tharoor, known for his eloquence and global stature, has not directly responded to Udit Raj’s attack. When asked by journalists, Tharoor stated he has “better things to do” and is concentrating on India’s diplomatic outreach. He has maintained that his remarks reflect national consensus against terrorism and are not partisan.
After a long and successful day in Panama, i have to wind up at midnightvhere with departure for Bogota, Colombia in six hours, so I don’t really have time for this — but anyway: For those zealots fulminating about my supposed ignorance of Indian valour across the LoC: in tge…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 29, 2025
Tharoor’s defenders argue that he spoke as an Indian representative, not a party functionary, and that such external projection of strength enhances India’s image abroad. However, his pattern of controversial yet nationally resonant statements has repeatedly landed him in conflict with his party line—fueling speculation about his political future and alignment.
This episode is yet another example of how foreign policy, national security, and internal politics intersect, especially in a deeply polarized Indian political climate. As the 2025 general elections approach, such intra-party flare-ups could affect the Congress party’s coherence and credibility.
