“Tharoor does not acknowledge the fact that it was a Congress leader who initiated this policy (non-alignment) , and ultimately, PM Modi had to accept it. I do not know what is wrong with him,” Udit Raj said.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Distancing itself from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s recent remarks acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, Congress has dismissed Tharoor’s observation and questioned India’s influence in global affairs.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Tharoor said he had misjudged India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I am still wiping the egg off my face because I was one of those who criticised India’s position back in February 2022. Three years later, it turns out I was wrong. India now has a Prime Minister who can hug both the President of Ukraine and the President of Russia within two weeks and still be accepted in both places. That means India is in a position to make a difference to lasting peace,” he said.
While BJP leaders welcomed his endorsement of Modi government’s stance on Ukraine-Russia face-off, Congress leaders questioned Tharoor on his own admission of flip-flop.
Responding to these remarks of Tharoor, Congess leader Udit Raj dismissed Tharoor’s remarks and questioned India’s influence in global affairs.
“Does Tharoor think he knows better than 140 crore Indians? Does he have nothing else to do? What significant role has India played in global affairs? Who even acknowledges India? Trump taught a lesson to PM Modi, but no one had the courage or stature to say anything. It is NATO or the US that decides. Moreover, earlier, he criticised PM Modi; did it make any difference? Did his criticism have any real impact?” Raj told IANS.
“Another point is that PM Modi maintains an equal distance from both sides, which essentially follows the non-alignment policy initiated by Pandit Nehru. So, if anyone should be endorsed, it should be Pandit Nehru, not PM Modi. Tharoor does not acknowledge the fact that it was a Congress leader who initiated this policy, and ultimately, PM Modi had to accept it. I do not know what is wrong with him,” he added.
BJP MP Sambit Patra, however welcomed Tharoor’s comments and highlighted India’s diplomatic advancements under Modi government.
Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishvas Sarang also welcomed Tharoor’s statement and said that PM Modi has been recognised as a global leader. — With inputs from IANS
