NEW DELHI: BJP MP's selfie with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is becoming a topic of discussion on social media. The picture shared by BJP leader Baijayant Jai Panda and the accompanying note are gaining attention. 'Finally travelling in the same direction', Panda, who is also the BJP Vice President, wrote, sharing the selfie with Shashi Tharoor. 'My friend and fellow traveller called me mischievous for saying that we seem to be finally travelling in the same direction...' Panda's post read.
Tharoor has given clarification regarding this via X. He responded, 'Fellow traveller, only to Bhubaneswar! I am addressing the Kalinga LitFest tomorrow morning. And coming right back.'
Tharoor's selfie with the BJP MP has come out amid a rift with the Congress over his praise of the state government in Kerala and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shashi Tharoor had said that the policy adopted by Narendra Modi when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out was right, which had upset the Congress. Modi was able to maintain good relations between the two countries. He had also said that his own opposition to India's position was wrong.
Tharoor's remarks were made while speaking at the 'Raisina Dialogue' in Delhi. Tharoor's article praising the industrial development of Kerala had sparked the controversy. His article 'Changing Kerala: Lumbering jumbo to a lithe tiger', which pointed out the growth in the startup sector and Kerala's ranking as the first in the business-friendliness rankings, had led to the controversy. Later, Congress leaders including VD Satheesan came out to criticise Tharoor. State leaders also filed a complaint against Tharoor with the high command.
On March 22, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his respect for Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's judgment. Jaishankar's comments were made at the Business Today Mindrush 2025 event and came in response to Tharoor's praise for the government's handling of the Ukraine war. 'I've always admired his judgment, particularly about us,' Jaishankar mentioned when asked about the Thiruvananthapuram MP’s remarks. Tharoor stated he was left with egg on his face for opposing India’s stance when the Russia-Ukraine war began, acknowledging that India's policy has positioned the country to play a significant role in fostering lasting peace.
Tharoor, while reflecting on India's diplomatic stance, remarked, 'Three years later it does look like I am the one with the egg on my face because clearly, the policy has meant that India has actually a Prime Minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president in Moscow two weeks apart and be accepted in both places,' at the Raisina Dialogue.
Jaishankar emphasized that the Indian government maintains an objective approach to global conflicts. 'We looked at the conflict, the drivers of it, and the larger environment in a very objective way. I think a lot of other players, understandably, were perhaps carried away emotionally, which clouded their judgment,' he stated.
The recent social media buzz surrounding Panda and Tharoor's selfie is a continuation of a growing rift within the Congress party, especially concerning Tharoor's seemingly increasing closeness to the ruling BJP. Congress's grievances were aggravated when Tharoor earlier acknowledged that Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US was 'very good'.
Political analysts point out that Tharoor's praise for Modi's diplomatic relations and references to his diplomatic efforts might indicate a shift in the political landscape, leading some party members to speculate whether Tharoor is considering an alignment with the BJP.
With Congress facing internal challenges, highlights of the Kalinga LitFest, where Tharoor was to address attendees, reflect both regional literary achievements and the need for political leaders to address pressing social issues.
Tharoor was in Bhubaneswar for the Kalinga Literary Festival starting on March 21, showcasing literary minds from across Southeast Asia and other global representatives. The festival serves as a reminder that while political discourse becomes contentious, cultural initiatives continue to thrive and offer a platform for unity.
In conclusion, the evolving dynamics within Indian politics, as illustrated by the interactions between Tharoor and parties, raise questions about loyalty, perception, and the overall direction the country’s political landscape will take. It is essential for constituents to remain engaged as political narratives shift and develop over time.
