BJP picks Shashi Tharoor for global mission: Is Congress in chaos?

Was picking Shashi Tharoor to lead a key all-party global delegation after Operation Sindoor a tactical BJP move? Has it deepened the fault lines within the Congress? Or is this a larger story about foreign policy, domestic fractures, and political one-upmanship?

TK Rajalakshmi, S Srinivasan, and Siddharth Sharma joined this episode of Capital Beat to unpack the growing unease within the Congress.

Congress’s internal storm

In a surprise move, the Centre named Shashi Tharoor—Congress MP and chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs—as one of the leaders of India’s global outreach following Operation Sindoor.

But Tharoor’s name was not among the four suggested by the Congress, which included Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Nasir Hussain, and Amarinder Raja Warring.

Also read: Congress' harakiri over Centre picking Tharoor for delegations abroad

TK Rajalakshmi highlighted the imbalance in the delegation. “It’s over-represented by NDA allies. If this was truly an all-party effort, why wasn’t there fair representation from every major Opposition party?” she asked.

The government’s move bypassed the Congress’s official nominations, fuelling speculation of both BJP’s political manoeuvering and Congress’s internal disarray.

The Tharoor mystery

S Srinivasan noted, “This isn’t about Tharoor’s competence—he is articulate and experienced. But the BJP’s bypassing of Congress’s process creates the perception of division.”

He observed that the BJP, aware of Tharoor’s popularity and international stature, used him as a tool to project unity while subtly unsettling the Congress.

Tharoor’s swift acceptance of the role, without waiting for party consultation, further complicated matters. His post—“When national interest is involved… I will not be found wanting”—was viewed by many in Congress as overstepping.

Also read: Growing rift? Tharoor not on the list Congress gave for delegation abroad

Strategic or sabotage?

Siddharth Sharma offered a broader geopolitical take. “This delegation is less about diplomacy and more about damage control. BJP’s Vishwaguru narrative, spearheaded by S Jaishankar, has faltered. Globally, India hasn’t managed to shift opinion despite being a terror victim. Now, they’re turning to Tharoor—an articulate, acceptable international voice.”

He added that BJP’s outreach to Tharoor signifies a shift: “When their in-house diplomats don’t cut it, they’re borrowing credibility from the Opposition. It shows desperation.”

Ceasefire confusion

Srinivasan emphasized the discontent among BJP’s own support base over the sudden ceasefire, calling it a missed opportunity after apparent military gains. “There was celebration initially. But confusion followed—why call for a ceasefire when India seemed on top?”

The Opposition, while supporting the military action, has since demanded a special parliamentary session to debate accountability, ceasefire terms, and intelligence lapses. Yet, with this global delegation now in focus, that narrative risks being overshadowed.

Also read: Honoured to lead all-party teams abroad on terrorism, says Tharoor

Tharoor's positioning

Rajalakshmi remarked that Tharoor has long expressed views independently, sometimes even praising the government. “Why does BJP place such confidence in someone from Congress? There are equally experienced leaders like Anand Sharma and Salman Khurshid. The move raises valid doubts.”

Srinivasan speculated that Tharoor’s ambition, particularly in Kerala politics, might also be in play. “He likely sees this as an opportunity to reassert relevance within a party known for leadership abundance but management scarcity.”

Political chess

Sharma went further: “BJP poaching or showcasing opposition leaders isn’t new. Think Jyotiraditya Scindia. But Tharoor is different—he’s a soft power asset. For the BJP, lacking a credible Kerala face, he’s attractive. For Congress, mishandling this could deepen internal divides.”

He also noted the irony—“BJP once labelled Congress as ‘anti-national’. Now, they need Congress’s most eloquent MP to tell the world that India is a terror victim.”

Also read: Tharoor, Kanimozhi in govt delegation to spread Op Sindoor message abroad

Global optics vs domestic chaos

The panel agreed that while the delegation might help with global perception, the lack of domestic consensus is problematic. “A true all-party effort requires prior consultation, shared talking points, and domestic accountability,” said Rajalakshmi.

Srinivasan added, “Congress should’ve insisted on a parliamentary briefing before endorsing any delegation. Instead, they appear to be reacting to a script written by the BJP.”

The real question isn’t whether Tharoor will quit Congress, but whether the party can assert ownership of its own initiative—sending all-party delegations, a legacy dating back to 1994 under Narasimha Rao. With Kerala Congress already claiming credit for Tharoor’s selection, this tug-of-war could escalate.

Also read: Tharoor on Indo-Pak conflict: Spoke as proud Indian, not as Congress spokesperson

Tharoor, meanwhile, stands to gain either way. As Siddharth Sharma quipped, “He’s on home turf—foreign affairs. If he succeeds, Congress claims him. If he fails, BJP distances itself. Either way, he’s made himself indispensable.”

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