Is the Congress confused over Shashi Tharoor?

After the senior Member of Parliament from the Congress party Shashi Tharoor was perceived praising the BJP-led government over its handling of national security during Operation Sindoor, the guns were out in the Congress questioning his disregard for party line. 

Later, as the government suggested his name for representing India in an all-party delegation for diplomatic outreach, there hinted at further schism within the party. 

Congress communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh revealed that Tharoor was not among the leaders recommended by the party. The Congress's picks were Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. However, the government nominated Tharoor, who accepted the responsibility. This led to further tensions between Tharoor and the Congress leadership. 

According to senior Congress leaders, Tharoor should have taken permission from the Congress leadership, which is a prescribed format for any kind of political activity, which he did not. Instead, he posted a cryptic tweet where he mentioned national duty as a reason for accepting the ruling party’s invite.

This has made Tharoor’s standing weaker within the Congress. According to party insiders in Kerala, he has been seeking a promotion in organisational duties but has not been getting any position of power within the organisation.

A senior Congress leader seeking anonymity said the reason behind that is that the party doesn't consider him a man of organisation. “If he says something against the Congress or in favour of BJP,” a congress leader said, “It can damage the party politically at any critical moment, and the loss will be irreparable.”

Yet the party has been confused about Tharoor’s role in the Congress. The party recently made organisational changes in the Pradesh Congress Committee of Kerala.

However, there is also a common understanding within the Congress rank and file that Tharoor hasn't been employed proportionately within the grand old party, which has made him resentful.

According to media reports, Shashi Tharoor is expected to lead the Indian outreach to the United States, which is said to have brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after three days of fierce standoff.

India