Shashi Tharoor, the articulate Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, remains a paradoxical figure within the Indian National Congress—a party he has bolstered with his global stature as a former UN diplomat and consistent electoral success, yet frequently finds himself at odds with its leadership.

His role in India’s diplomatic response to the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025 has exposed deep-seated tensions. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, selected Tharoor to head an all-party delegation to the UK and four other global capitals to present India’s stance on terrorism from Pakistan, overriding Congress’s nominations.

The party had submitted a list of four leaders: Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. But only Sharma was included as a member in one delegation, with the others sidelined.

This move, while capitalising on Tharoor’s diplomatic finesse, triggered discontent within Congress, highlighting its struggle to balance individual prominence with collective loyalty. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh, without naming Tharoor, remarked: “Congress mein hona aur Congress ka hona mein zameen-aasmaan ka antar hai" [There is a difference between being in the Congress and of the Congress], critiquing actions seen as too aligned with the government’s narrative.

Tharoor’s conundrum—navigating personal conviction amid party expectations—reveals four critical fault lines: the lack of internal democracy, the Gandhi family’s unchallenged authority, Mallikarjun Kharge’s limitations as president, and Congress’s inconsistent support for national diplomacy when it conflicts with partisan goals. These fissures, amplified by Tharoor’s high-profile role, underscore Congress’s broader challenge to redefine its identity in a dynamic political landscape.

Tharoor’s Real Mistake: Not Betrayal, But Nuance

Shashi Tharoor’s mistake isn’t betrayal—it’s his refusal to play by the unwritten rules of today’s hyper-polarised politics. In an era where party loyalty often demands unthinking opposition, Tharoor has chosen national interest and policy nuance over blind partisanship. His support for progressive initiatives of the Modi government—be it praising India’s G20 presidency, backing cultural diplomacy, or........

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