Amid Criticism From Congress, Tharoor Says Working In National Interest Is Not Anti-Party

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has made a clear stand emphasising that working in the national interest should never be viewed as an act against one’s own party.

Speaking amid rising criticism from Congress over his statements, Tharoor underlined the importance of unity and collective focus when representing India on the global stage.

He is currently leading an all-party delegation to the United States with the objective of highlighting India’s uncompromising stance on terrorism.

This mission is crucial for projecting India’s diplomatic and security policies internationally, especially in a context where counter-terrorism remains a key global concern.

“When one is doing the nation’s service, I don’t think one needs to worry too much about these things," Tharoor was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

When asked what message Tharoor would like to give to those party leaders upon his return to India, he told news agency PTI, “I think anybody who sort of considers that working in the national interest is some sort of anti-party activity needs to question themselves rather than us.”

He said the all-party delegation is on a mission, and they should not worry about what is being said or not by several individuals.

Responding to the speculation about him joining the BJP, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram said, “I’m an elected member of parliament. I have four years left of my term. I don’t know why there is any question to be asked.”

On Rahul Gandhi's criticism of PM Modi after Operation Sindoor, Tharoor said, “In a democracy, and this is normal, parties will contend, express criticism, and make demands.”