Congress MP Shashi Tharoor found himself at the center of a political storm after comments he made about the 2016 surgical strike prompted criticism from both within his own party and rival factions. Responding to the backlash, Tharoor took to social media on Thursday, labeling his detractors as “zealots” and “trolls,” and clarified that his remarks referred solely to retaliation for terror attacks—not to previous military operations during wartime.
Tharoor’s initial comments, made during an overseas outreach program, were interpreted by some Congress colleagues as dismissing earlier covert military operations conducted during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Clarifying his position on X, Tharoor wrote, “I was referring exclusively to cross-border actions carried out in response to terrorist incidents. Previous wars are a different context entirely.” He added that his remarks were preceded by references to multiple terror attacks over the years and India’s restrained responses in earlier instances.
The comment drew sharp criticism from Congress leader Udit Raj, who accused Tharoor of being disloyal to the party’s legacy. Raj suggested sarcastically that Prime Minister Modi should appoint Tharoor as India’s foreign minister or the BJP’s chief spokesperson. “If he tries to erase Congress history, there will be consequences,” Raj added.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju entered the fray, questioning the Congress party’s position and national loyalty. “Should Indian MPs criticize the Prime Minister or India while abroad? In critical times, we must speak with one voice,” Rijiju posted on X.
Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala attempted to downplay the infighting, emphasizing that Tharoor remains a respected member of the party. However, Surjewala also stated that Tharoor was mistaken, pointing out that the Congress-led UPA government had authorized multiple surgical strikes, and that these had been publicly acknowledged by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and others.
Congress media head Pawan Khera also joined the debate, citing Tharoor’s own book The Paradoxical Prime Minister where earlier surgical strikes are referenced, and criticized the BJP for using the 2016 strikes as an election tool.
Despite mounting criticism, Tharoor stood by his clarification. “Bombast and distortion won’t derail my focus,” he posted, reiterating his commitment to diplomacy and historical accuracy in the context of counter-terror operations.
