"Country First for Us, but for Some, It’s Modi First": Kharge Criticises Tharoor

New Delhi: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge sharply rebuked Shashi Tharoor today, asserting that “for us, the country comes first, but for some, it’s Modi first.” His remarks came in the wake of Tharoor’s article praising Prime Minister Modi’s global diplomacy following Operation Sindoor.

Tharoor described Modi’s energy, dynamism, and willingness to engage with the world as a “prime asset” that deserved stronger backing. While his words were welcomed in some international circles, they provoked unease within Congress, widening the rift between Tharoor and party leadership.

Addressing reporters, Kharge admitted he struggles with English, joking that "Tharoor is very fluent—that’s why we made him a member of the Congress Working Committee.” He added that after the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress declared solidarity with the army, stating, “country comes first, party later.” Yet, he implied Tharoor’s emphasis seemed skewed toward Modi: “Some people feel ‘Modi first, country later.’ What can we do?” 

Tharoor, who led an all-party delegation abroad after the attack, defended his article, stating it was a gesture of national unity, not partisan allegiance. He rejected speculation that he was preparing to join the BJP, insisting his intent was to stand up for India in a time of crisis. 

His commentary comes as tensions rise within Congress. The party officially distanced itself from his views: spokesperson Supriya Shrinate emphasized that Tharoor’s opinions are personal, not representative of Congress, affirming, “we present our views with evidence and proof.”