Shashi Tharoor under fire for defending Modi govt on Pahalgam

In the latest episode of Capital Beat hosted by The Federal’s Neelu Vyas, Congress leader Sanjay Jha and senior journalist TK Rajalakshmi dissect the controversy sparked by Udit Raj’s attack on Shashi Tharoor. The discussion examines whether Tharoor’s comments on the Pahalgam terror attack crossed party lines and exposed deeper confusion within the Congress.

Tharoor's controversial remarks

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor stirred debate when he compared the Pahalgam terror attack to Israel's October 7 Hamas attack, emphasising that even the best intelligence agencies can be caught off-guard. Tharoor stated, "No country can ever have foolproof 100 per cent intelligence," urging that the government should first handle the present crisis before facing accountability.

Also read: 'Are you super-BJP man?' Cong leader asks Tharoor for remarks on Pahalgam attack

His remarks were seen by some within the Congress, notably Udit Raj, as aligning too closely with the BJP's narrative. Raj went on to call Tharoor a "BJP spokesperson," raising questions about Tharoor’s political allegiance at a time when the Congress had publicly extended support to the government on Pahalgam.

Internal differences to fore

Sanjay Jha defended Tharoor’s statement as "factually correct but politically mistimed," explaining that while Tharoor's diplomatic caution was understandable, it could easily be misread in the current hyper-sensitive environment. Jha emphasised that “politicians today are walking on eggshells,” and highlighted how such statements could create public confusion about the Opposition's stance.

Jha also pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir, despite heavy militarisation, continues to face security lapses, and that recent government assertions of "complete normalcy" now seem hollow. "Tourists were given a false sense of safety," he remarked, stressing the need for greater honesty from the ruling dispensation about ground realities.

Need to have clear party line

TK Rajalakshmi agreed that Tharoor’s remarks were politically inappropriate, even if factually defensible. She noted that “there should be a clear party line on such sensitive matters,” and leaders should avoid stepping out of it, particularly during national crises. Rajalakshmi argued that questioning security failures does not make anyone "less patriotic," but emphasised the need for Congress leaders to maintain discipline and unity in public statements.

Both panelists criticised Udit Raj for airing internal criticisms publicly, arguing that disagreements should be handled within party forums. Rajalakshmi remarked, “Both Tharoor and Udit Raj should have been reined in by the party leadership.”

Hesitant to question govt?

The discussion turned to a broader critique of the Congress party’s handling of the Pahalgam aftermath. Sanjay Jha highlighted the Congress’s hesitancy to strongly question the government despite glaring security lapses. “The Opposition represents 63 per cent of India. They can stand with the government in solidarity while still demanding accountability,” he said, pointing to the muted response as symptomatic of the party’s larger communication failure.

Also read: 'You don't ask a murderer...': Tharoor on Pak's offer for 'neutral probe' into Pahalgam

TK Rajalakshmi underlined that the Opposition’s job is not just to support the government during crises but also to ensure checks and balances. She called for Parliament debates on the issue and said, "Admission of lapses is the first step towards course correction."

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