The aftermath of Operation Sindoor has shaken the Congress party’s core, stirring an undercurrent of unrest within its ranks. Though no leader has openly criticized the top leadership, off-the-record discussions and individual actions reveal a brewing disquiet. This article explores why the nomination of Shashi Tharoor for a key global diplomatic role has become a flashpoint within the party.
The Contrast Between Congress’s Stance and National Sentiment
While the nation and most political parties have largely united in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s decisive military response, the Congress party has stood apart. Their critical stance contrasts sharply with the growing consensus favoring national unity and strong action against terrorism.
The government has acknowledged intelligence lapses behind the Pahalgam attack, and there are important discussions pending in Parliament regarding Operation Sindoor, India’s new posture towards terrorism as an act of war, and advancements in indigenous defense capabilities. Yet, the Congress appears unwilling to align its narrative with the larger national mood.
The ‘Surgical Strike’ Within Congress: Tharoor’s Nomination
In a surprising move, the Narendra Modi government nominated Shashi Tharoor, a seasoned four-term Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, to lead one of the all-party delegations tasked with communicating the message of Operation Sindoor internationally. Alongside him is Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari. This nomination sidelined the names proposed by Congress such as Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, much to the leadership’s chagrin.
Jairam Ramesh’s remark,
“Congress main hona aur Congress ka hona main zameen-aasman ka antar hai” (there is a huge difference between being in Congress and those who are of Congress),
encapsulates the party’s frustration over the sidelining of its preferred choices.
Interestingly, other parties, including DMK which did not nominate their preferred leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi for the Moscow delegation, accepted their nominations without controversy. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that consultations with Congress leaders were merely courteous, not requests for suggestions (The Hindu).
Congress’s ‘Infantile Disorder’ and Its Disconnect From Reality
The Congress continues to struggle with what Lenin once called ‘infantile disorder’ — adopting extreme positions that isolate them from mainstream political consensus. Despite the nation applauding the Modi government’s effective and swift response to terrorism in Kashmir, Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Jairam Ramesh have been ultra-critical, often crossing lines that risk national interest.
The entire state of Jammu & Kashmir, from Kathua to Kupwara, condemned the Pahalgam attack, showing unity against terrorism for the first time since 1989. India’s tri-services dealt a decisive blow to Pakistan-sponsored terror infrastructure in a matter of minutes. Yet, Congress’s opposition to this narrative has alienated allies in the INDIA bloc, with parties like the Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress remaining silent on the demand for a special Parliament session (NDTV).
Even veterans like Sharad Pawar, former Defence Minister, have distanced themselves, emphasizing that strategic military matters should not always be debated in Parliament (India Today).
Learning From History: Why 2025 Is Not 1962
Comparisons between the current situation and the 1962 China aggression are misplaced. Then, India was on the back foot and vulnerable. Today, India’s robust response across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) demonstrates military might and strategic decisiveness, visible to all except those with ‘Ostrich-vision’ (Britannica – Sino-Indian War).
The Irony and Future of Tharoor’s Political Role
Shashi Tharoor’s nomination is ironic given his past association with the Sonia Gandhi-led UPA government which backed his 2006 bid for UN Secretary General. Moreover, in 2005, Tharoor reportedly assisted senior Congress leaders during the Oil for Food Programme controversy involving then External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh (Reuters – Natwar Singh resignation).
At 69, Tharoor is unlikely to shift his stance despite the BJP affiliation tag the nomination may bring in Kerala. Instead, he aims for a larger role within the Congress and possibly to be the United Democratic Front’s candidate for Kerala’s chief ministership — potentially putting him at odds with Rahul Gandhi’s preferred Kerala leader, KC Venugopal.
The evolving power dynamics in Kerala could very well influence Rahul Gandhi’s approach to national politics in the coming months.
Conclusion: A Party at Crossroads
An anecdote from a senior Congress leader reflects the party’s internal challenges: During a recent Parliament session, Tharoor and Tewari stiffened to greet Rahul Gandhi, but he walked past, absorbed in his cellphone, ignoring them.
This incident symbolically captures the growing rift and the uncertain future of Congress’s leadership cohesion amid political turbulence and external challenges.
As the dust settles on Operation Sindoor and its political aftermath, the Congress party must decide whether it will adapt to the new political landscape or remain stuck in internal conflicts that threaten its relevance on the national stage.
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