Shashi Tharoor Defends Cross-Party Outreach, Says ‘Nation Must Come First’ Amid Party Backlash

Responding to a question from a high school student in Kochi about criticism from within his own party, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor stood firm on his recent nationalistic stance and cross-party diplomatic outreach, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking at the event, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said,

“Put your differences aside when the nation is imperilled. India must come first, then only can we all live.”

A member of the Congress Working Committee, Tharoor reiterated that political parties are simply vehicles to serve a larger goal — the nation.

“To my mind, the nation comes first. Parties are a means of making the nation better. Whichever party you belong to, the objective should be to create a better India in its own way.”

Backlash Over Diplomatic Outreach

Tharoor’s remarks follow internal criticism he faced for leading an all-party delegation to countries like the U.S., aimed at presenting a united Indian front on Pakistan’s terror links post-Pahalgam and during Operation Sindoor. His move, though intended to show solidarity with India’s government and armed forces, drew sharp reactions from some within the Congress.

Last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge indirectly took aim at Tharoor, remarking that the party believes in putting the “country first,” but “for some, it is Modi first and country later.”

‘Politics Is About Competition, Not Blind Loyalty’

Addressing the tension, Tharoor defended his actions, saying:

“Politics is about competition… but we need to cooperate with other parties in the interest of national security. When people like me say that, some within the party see it as disloyal. That becomes a big problem.”

He added that while political ideologies may vary — capitalism vs socialism, regulation vs free markets — the core objective must remain a “better, safer India.”

“A lot of people have been very critical of me because of the stand I’ve taken supporting our armed forces and our government… But I will stand my ground because I believe this is the right thing for the country.”

On Differences With Congress Leadership

Asked if he had any issues with the Congress high command, Tharoor refused to be drawn into controversy:

“I came to give two speeches,” he told reporters, according to PTI.

‘I Saluted It’: Tharoor on CM Survey Buzz

On a lighter note, when questioned about a recent survey that listed him as the most preferred chief ministerial face for the Congress-led UDF in Kerala, Tharoor said:

“Someone forwarded it to me and I did a salute as a reply. I didn’t comment and I’m not making any comment.”

With his latest remarks, Tharoor has once again underscored his belief in national interest above party lines, even as internal tensions continue to simmer.