Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stirred controversy by stating that a Prime Minister’s defeat equals India’s defeat. While the BJP and JD-U supported his views, criticism arose within the Congress party. Tharoor emphasized the importance of national unity in global affairs.
Tharoor highlighted that foreign policy belongs to India as a nation, not to specific political parties. He warned against celebrating a Prime Minister’s downfall, equating it to celebrating India’s defeat. Tharoor’s remarks drew mixed reactions from various political figures.
Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam praised Tharoor’s candid statement, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s role as a leader for the entire nation. JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar stressed the importance of bipartisan unity on foreign policy and national security issues. Tharoor’s stance received both support and criticism from different political quarters.
Congress leaders criticized Tharoor for his statement, urging him not to align too closely with Prime Minister Modi. Former Congress member V. Hanumantha Rao called for Tharoor to speak up for former Prime Ministers facing criticism. Congress’ Odisha unit President Bhakta Charan Das, while acknowledging Tharoor’s intellect, accused him of being a sycophant.
