Shashi Tharoor Says ‘Not Joining BJP’ Amid Buzz Over Modi Praise and Hindu Outreach

Shashi Tharoor Clarifies Modi Praise, Denies BJP Switch Amid Operation Sindoor Debate.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday addressed the political buzz surrounding his recent article praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, firmly stating that his words were not an indication of joining the BJP, as speculated by sections of the media.

Tharoor clarified that his praise for Modi’s “energy, dynamism and willingness to engage” was made in the context of India’s foreign policy outreach during Operation Sindoor, and not a reflection of personal political alignment.

“It is not a sign of me leaping to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party. It is a statement of national unity,” he said, underlining that his comments aimed to support India’s diplomacy, not the ruling party.

Speaking to the media, Tharoor emphasized that foreign policy should rise above party lines:

“There is no such thing as the BJP’s foreign policy or the Congress’s foreign policy. There is only Indian foreign policy,” he said, reiterating a position he has held since chairing the Parliamentary External Affairs Committee over a decade ago.

The Article That Sparked Speculation
Tharoor’s comments came after the publication of his op-ed in The Hindu on Monday, where he lauded India’s diplomatic efforts following Operation Sindoor, calling it a “moment of national resolve and effective communication.”

In the article, he described Prime Minister Modi’s global engagement as a “prime asset” for India, and said it deserved greater backing.

The piece gained further attention after the Prime Minister’s Office shared it on social media platform X, writing:

“Lok Sabha MP and former Union Minister Dr. Shashi Tharoor writes — Lessons from Operation Sindoor’s global outreach.”

BJP’s Reaction and Political Crossfire
The BJP was quick to seize the opportunity.
Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X, “Shashi Tharoor admits that PM Modi’s dynamism and global outreach are a strategic advantage for India,” taking a swipe at the Congress and its leadership.

The article also surfaced at a sensitive time for Tharoor, who recently acknowledged strained ties with the Congress high command. His views on India-Pakistan diplomacy and comments around US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire claim have at times differed from the official party line, drawing internal criticism.

Despite that, Tharoor stood his ground, asserting that his comments represent a bipartisan appreciation of foreign policy success, not an ideological shift.