Jairam Ramesh’s Sharp Remark: ‘Congress Mein Hona Aur Congress Ka Hona…’ Targeting Tharoor Amid Delegation Controversy

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New Delhi: The rift within the Congress party surfaced yet again, this time over senior leader Shashi Tharoor’s participation in the government’s all-party anti-terror diplomatic delegation. In a not-so-subtle remark, Congress communication head Jairam Ramesh said:

“Congress mein hona aur Congress ka hona, dono mein farq hota hai.”
(There’s a difference between being in the Congress and belonging to the Congress.)

The comment, delivered at a press interaction, comes shortly after Tharoor accepted the Modi government’s invitation to lead diplomatic discussions abroad under the newly launched Operation Sindoor, aimed at building global partnerships on counter-terrorism.

While Tharoor’s decision has been widely praised for its statesmanlike tone, the Congress high command appears less enthusiastic—clearly trying to maintain a delicate balance between political opposition and national duty.

Tharoor, a former UN diplomat and widely respected parliamentarian, had earlier justified his acceptance:

“I was asked to serve the nation, and I will never refuse that call. My service is for India.”

Reading Between the Lines:

Jairam Ramesh’s choice of words has opened the floor to political speculation. Was this a gentle rebuke? A signal to others in the party? Or a broader commentary on Tharoor’s often independent path within the Congress ecosystem?

Party insiders suggest the comment was more than just a passing remark. Tharoor, known for voicing views occasionally at odds with the party line—on foreign policy, internal democracy, and reform—has long been viewed as a maverick within the Congress fold.

Some analysts argue that this moment reveals a wider ideological gap within the party—between the loyalist old guard and reformist modern voices.

Political Context:

The Congress party has been trying to reclaim its image as a strong and unified opposition force. Tharoor’s involvement in a government-led initiative, even in national interest, complicates that message—especially ahead of key state and general elections.

At the same time, Operation Sindoor, being seen as a diplomatic effort rather than a partisan one, places Congress in a tricky position. Publicly opposing it may look unpatriotic; supporting it may seem like political compromise.