Congress at odds over Tharoor’s praise: Shashi Tharoor strikes a different note on the changing situation in Kashmir; MP faces backlash from his own party. Ruckus in Congress on praise of Tharoor: Shashi Tharoor’s tone changed on the changed situation of Kashmir, MP came under attack from his own party – ..

A very big and shocking news is coming out from within Indian politics and the country’s oldest political party Congress. Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor, known for his outspoken statements and excellent English, has come under attack from his own party this time. After publicly praising the current situation of Jammu and Kashmir, the security system and the development work happening there, the Congress high command has become very angry with Tharoor. Senior leaders of the party have clearly distanced themselves from Shashi Tharoor’s statement, terming it an “international illusion”, which seems to be creating a new ideological and political crisis within the Congress.

It cost Tharoor a lot to praise Kashmir’s peace and development.

The whole controversy started when Shashi Tharoor, after visiting Kashmir, made positive comments about the changing environment there, the record boom in tourism and the local security arrangements. His statement came to be seen as an endorsement of the policies of the central government, which made the official line of the Congress completely uncomfortable. From the Congress headquarters in New Delhi to local prominent leaders of Srinagar and Jammu, Tharoor’s stance has been strongly criticized. Party spokespersons believe that while on one hand Congress is cornering the government over restoration of statehood in Kashmir and violation of democratic rights, on the other hand this statement of Tharoor weakens the entire strategy of the party.

Opposition also targeted Congress on the pretext of “International illusion”

Amidst this turmoil within the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other opposition parties have also got a big issue sitting together. BJP leaders have tauntedly said that when the internationally renowned leader of Congress himself can see the ground reality of Kashmir and the peace there, then why is the Congress high command not able to accept it. On the other hand, political analysts of Delhi and Mumbai say that Shashi Tharoor is often known for his independent views, but his stance on a very sensitive and diplomatic issue like Kashmir is proving to be a big ‘damage’ for the party which is now becoming difficult to control.

Will Congress take disciplinary action against Shashi Tharoor?

After this big controversy, the discussion has now intensified in political circles across the country whether the Congress disciplinary panel will take any strict action against Shashi Tharoor. According to sources, some senior party leaders have sought intervention from Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on this matter. However, those close to Tharoor say that his statement has been distorted and he has always stood firmly with the ideology of Congress. At present, from Jammu and Kashmir to the national capital, this political drama has taken over social media and news feeds and a big meeting is expected within the Congress in the coming days.