Has Shashi Tharoor Outgrown The Congress? Neerja Chowdhury Decodes The Diplomatic Drama

As India launches its most high-profile diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor to counter global narratives on terrorism, the Congress party finds itself grappling with a curious contradiction. Its most internationally articulate face—Shashi Tharoor—was not among the party’s original suggestions for the multi-nation delegation. Ironically, it was the BJP that stepped in to include Tharoor’s name. In conversation with Afrida Rahman Ali, senior journalist and political commentator Neerja Chowdhury dissects the political signals behind Tharoor’s inclusion, the Congress' missteps, and the implications for the future of bipartisan diplomacy.

Afrida Rahman Ali: Neerja, you’ve called the exclusion of Tharoor from Congress’ suggested names a “self-goal.” Why?

Neerja Chowdhury: Because the Congress had the opportunity to claim the moral high ground. It could’ve said, “Look, our most experienced leaders are being relied upon to represent India.” Instead, it appeared to reject its own strongest voices. Tharoor wasn’t even on their initial list. The BJP included him. That made Congress look confused and internally divided.

Afrida: So, was this a government move or a parliamentary delegation?

Neerja: This is a government delegation, not a parliamentary one. The protocol is different. When it's a government mission, the ruling party can choose whoever it wants. But here, there was some confusion. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju did ask the Congress for names, but none matched the government's preferences. In the end, only Anand Sharma from the Congress list was accepted.

Afrida: You’ve said Tharoor has become “a red rag” for his own party. That’s a sharp phrase.

Neerja: It is, but it reflects reality. Tharoor is articulate, globally respected, and politically savvy. Instead of embracing him, Congress treats him like a threat. And this isn't new—remember, he ran for party president in 2022 against Mallikarjun Kharge and did better than expected. Since then, he has built a following that goes beyond the party—young people, professionals, and even some middle-class voters.

Afrida: Some commentators now compare Tharoor to Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. Is he being seen as the BJP’s accidental asset?

Neerja: There’s some truth to that. His performance abroad—especially while articulating India’s stand post-Operation Sindoor—was widely praised. No BJP spokesperson matched him in articulation or nuance. This has elevated his stature and made him look like the natural choice for such missions. Ironically, the BJP may have done for Tharoor what his own party hesitated to do.

Afrida: Is this a personal dilemma for Tharoor—balancing national duty with party loyalty?

Neerja: Absolutely. He represents Kerala, where the BJP has almost no presence. Joining the BJP would be politically suicidal there. At the same time, if the Congress continues to sideline him, he may have to chart his own path. But I doubt he’ll float a new party. Instead, I see him promoting the idea of bipartisanship on national interest issues—something Indian politics desperately needs right now.

Afrida: Do you see any historical parallels in how opposition leaders were once included in government missions?

Neerja: Yes, plenty. In 1994, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao sent Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the UN to represent India. Indira Gandhi sought Vajpayee’s support during the Bangladesh crisis. This shows that past governments didn’t shy away from using the opposition for larger national interests. That healthy tradition has eroded, unfortunately.

Afrida: Tharoor now leads the delegation to the US—arguably the most critical leg of this mission. Is that a signal in itself?

Neerja: Certainly. He’s going to the US post-ceasefire, at a time when Trump has claimed credit and raised Kashmir again. Handling the American narrative requires tact and international experience. The government seems to have recognized Tharoor’s capability. The irony is that it’s the ruling party that sees his worth—more than his own.

Afrida: Final question—what lies ahead for Tharoor?

Neerja: He hasn’t shown his cards. But the Congress will think long and hard before acting against him—it risks a backlash in Kerala. Tharoor, meanwhile, is building a reputation as a statesman who rises above party lines. That might just be his biggest strength in the years to come.

Afrida: Neerja, thank you so much for your insight. As always, it was a pleasure.

Neerja: Thank you, Afrida

Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 04:02 PM IST