'I Do Have Differences Of Opinion With Some In The Congress Leadership': Shashi Tharoor

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Shashi Tharoor on Thursday (19 June) acknowledged having differences with some in the Congress leadership but said he would not elaborate on them in light of the Nilambur bypoll in Kerala.

Tharoor said he valued the Congress party, its ideals, and grassroots workers, calling them close friends and brothers with whom he has worked for 16 years, according to a report by news agency PTI.

“I do have differences of opinion with some in the Congress leadership. You know what I am talking about, as some of those issues are there in the public domain and have been reported by you (media)," Tharoor was quoted as saying by PTI.

He did not specify whether the differences were with state or national leaders.

Tharoor indicated that he might discuss those issues after the by-election results are announced.

However, he expressed hope that the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate would win and praised the efforts of party workers.

When asked about his recent discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tharoor clarified that they related solely to Operation Sindoor and associated foreign visits.

“No domestic politics were discussed,” he said.

Tharoor defended his decision to lead a delegation under Operation Sindoor, stating that his focus as chair of the External Affairs Committee was on India’s national interest.

“The Centre asked for my services. Indeed, my party did not. So, I proudly did my duty as an Indian citizen,” he said.