Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday taunted the Congress party after senior leader Shashi Tharoor acknowledged his misjudgment regarding India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. The BJP took the opportunity to highlight Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic success, suggesting that even Modi’s critics are now turning into supporters.
BJP’s Dig at Congress
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya took to social media, posting a video clip of Tharoor’s comments at the Raisina Dialogue and wrote, “Prime Minister Modi needs new haters… Old ones are turning into his fans.”
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also took a swipe at Congress, urging Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to acknowledge Tharoor’s statement.
“Shashi Tharoor understands diplomacy, having served in the UN for years. He has praised PM Modi’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Instead of attacking PM Modi and the country every time, other Congress leaders should learn from Tharoor. Kharge and Rahul Gandhi should also come forward and appreciate this stance,” Patra stated.
Tharoor’s U-Turn on India’s Ukraine Policy
During a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue, Shashi Tharoor admitted that he had initially misjudged India’s position on the war and had to “wipe egg off his face.”
“Back in February 2022, I criticized India’s stand, arguing that a violation of the UN Charter had taken place. Ukraine’s sovereignty was breached, and we had always upheld the principle of territorial integrity and the inadmissibility of force in resolving disputes. I believed we should have condemned it.”
However, Tharoor acknowledged that India’s neutral stance has ultimately positioned it as a friend to both Russia and Ukraine, strengthening its role as a global peace broker.
“Three years later, it does look like I am the one with egg on my face. PM Modi can now embrace both the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia just weeks apart, and yet India is accepted in both places. India is now in a position to contribute to lasting peace in ways that few other countries can.”
BJP Welcomes Tharoor’s Acknowledgment
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed Tharoor’s statement and emphasized that India’s foreign policy under PM Modi was in the nation’s best interest.
“It is good that Tharoor has admitted his mistake. The Modi government has always made decisions in the best interest of the country. Better late than never! Other Congress leaders should also accept the reality,” Prasad told ANI.
