“Congress’s Diplomatic Wildcard: Tharoor’s Role in Modi’s Global Gambit”

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The India Observer, TIO:  Shashi Tharoor’s  letter of acceptance of the government’s invitation to lead an all-party delegation to carry forth the message of zero tolerance against terrorism:

“I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events.

When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting.”

~Shashi Tharoor

Jai Hind!

 

 

 

Tharoor’s Diplomatic Gambit: Modi’s Ally or Congress’s Outlier?

Shashi Tharoor’s appointment by the Modi government to spearhead a global outreach delegation has ignited a political firestorm, exposing fault lines within Congress and raising questions about his political trajectory.

This piece delves into the controversy, its implications, and the delicate balance Tharoor must strike.

A Surprising Choice

In a bold and unexpected move, the Modi government has selected Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the erudite Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, to lead an all-party delegation tasked with articulating India’s stance on Pakistan in key Western capitals. The decision has sent ripples through India’s polarized political arena, with reactions ranging from intrigue to outrage.

Tharoor, a former UN diplomat known for his global stature and rhetorical prowess, is an unconventional choice. His sharp critiques of the Modi government, including his 2018 metaphor likening Modi to “a scorpion sitting on a Shivling,” make his selection all the more startling. For some, it’s a strategic masterstroke; for others, a calculated trap.

“This isn’t just about diplomacy,” a senior BJP leader told a television news channel anonymously. “It’s about showcasing India’s unity on national interests, even among critics.” Tharoor’s international credibility and intellectual heft make him a compelling envoy, but the move has left Congress reeling.

Congress in Disarray

Tharoor’s acceptance of the role has sparked unease within his party, where he has long been viewed as a maverick. His occasional praise for Modi’s foreign policy and his independent streak have previously ruffled feathers. Now, his decision to lead a Modi government initiative without extensive party consultation has fueled accusations of disloyalty.

“Tharoor must clarify whether he represents Congress or Modi,” a Congress Working Committee member told The Indian Express. The sentiment reflects a broader distrust among party leaders, who see the BJP’s outreach as a ploy to exploit Tharoor’s prominence while sowing discord within Congress.

On social media, Tharoor’s supporters—drawn to his cosmopolitan liberalism—are equally conflicted. “Is he bridging divides or crossing lines?” one user posted, capturing the public’s confusion. The controversy underscores Tharoor’s uneasy fit within Congress’s rigid hierarchy.

The Sunanda Pushkar Shadow

Adding complexity to the saga is the lingering cloud of the Sunanda Pushkar case. The 2014 death of Tharoor’s wife in a Delhi hotel remains a subject of speculation, despite his clearance by the Delhi Police. The Delhi High Court’s recent decision to revisit the case has raised eyebrows, with some suggesting the BJP is leveraging it to pressure Tharoor.

“It’s not blackmail—it’s leverage,” a former bureaucrat remarked. The timing of Tharoor’s appointment fuels theories that the BJP is using the case to keep him in check or deepen Congress’s internal fissures. By elevating Tharoor, the BJP gains a polished global face while subtly undermining its principal opposition.

The Modi-Tharoor Paradox

The irony of Tharoor’s appointment is inescapable. In 2018, his “scorpion” remark prompted BJP demands for his resignation and legal action. Yet, in 2025, Modi has entrusted him with a high-stakes diplomatic mission in Washington, Brussels, and Berlin. This shift raises questions about Modi’s motives: Is this a genuine olive branch or a cunning political maneuver?

It can be argued that Modi is playing a long game. “Tharoor can’t be fully co-opted, but his involvement signals inclusivity to the world while exposing Congress’s vulnerabilities,” remarked a political analyst. By aligning Tharoor with a national cause, Modi burnishes his own image as a leader above partisan divides, potentially at Rahul Gandhi’s expense.

A Political Crossroads

Tharoor’s role in the outreach program has sparked speculation about his future. His unsuccessful bid for the Congress presidency in 2022 highlighted his ambition and strained ties with the Gandhi family. With a strong base among urban and southern voters, Tharoor is a rare Congress leader with independent appeal. Some wonder if this assignment is a precursor to a dramatic political shift.

Publicly, Tharoor reaffirms his loyalty to Congress, but sources suggest frustration with the party’s stagnation. “Congress needs Tharoor more than he needs them,” a Kerala journalist noted. Meanwhile, the BJP has left the door open. “We respect his talent,”

Curated by Humra Kidwai

Image Credit : PTI