‘Nation comes first’, Tharoor prioritizes national interest over partisan politics 

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that he does not express views that differ from the party’s stand on issues where the party has a clear stand, and that on certain matters he only voices his personal opinion. He told the media that the party’s opinion should be sought from its spokesperson, and that he always clarifies when a view is his own. If it is better to refrain from responding, he said he is willing to do so.

‘I point out good things when I see them in matters of development. I have never supported anything against Rahul Gandhi. He is a sincere leader and raises a strong voice for the country. Rahul Gandhi is widely seen and admired as someone who speaks against communalism and divisive politics. I have no second opinion on that. However, in some issues, you perceived my stand as pro-BJP. I saw it instead as pro-government and pro-India,’ said Tharoor.

He added that in international affairs, his desire is not to speak politics but to speak for the nation. ‘I have been saying this since my first election. Just as Sree Narayana Guru said that regardless of religion, what matters is that a person is good, similarly, regardless of politics, what matters is that the nation prospers. In Parliament, I always stand with the party’s stand. I am not going anywhere. I remain in the Congress. I will be active in the elections and work for the victory of the UDF. Why am I the only one being asked whether I will change party? What is wrong with me?’ Tharoor asked while clarifying his stand.

The Congress leadership resolved differences with Shashi Tharoor, who had expressed displeasure over alleged neglect at the ‘Mahapanchayat’ event held in Kochi. The issue was settled during a two-hour discussion in Delhi with leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Tharoor later stated that he had held constructive discussions with the leadership and would actively participate in the Assembly election campaign.