Watch| Shashi Tharoor Responds to Congress's 'Lakshman Rekha' Remark: 'I Spoke as an Indian'

In facing internal criticism within the Congress party regarding his comments on Operation Sindoor and the Indo-Pak tensions, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defended his comments on Thursday, stating, "At a time of conflict, I spoke solely as an Indian, making no pretence of representing anyone else."

His comments have raised the speculation about the alleged conflict between him and the party since his comments did not fall in line with the Congress' own official position.

Tharoor clarified that he does not represent the Congress party or the Narendra Modi government at the center. "Whatever I have said, you may agree or disagree with that, blame it on me individually, and that's fine," he said, reacting to reports that his statement was contrary to the party's stance and to a 'Lakshman Rekha' line he supposedly breached with his comment.

He reiterated that his observations were personal opinions and intended to add to the national discourse in a critical time. "It was really a contribution to the national discourse, at a time when it was very important for us to rally around the flag, especially internationally," Tharoor said.

Addressing the media, he underscored that India's voice was not being represented adequately outside the country—countries such as the US, Europe, and the Middle East—whence came the inspiration for him to speak up.

Tharoor further added that others were at liberty to dismiss his opinions and added that he had not been officially informed by the party about the controversy. "All I am seeing is media reports," he asserted, underlining his dissociation with the party's official stance.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) had on Wednesday emphasized that there was a need for harmony and for projecting the party's official line, as opposed to personal views. After the meeting, top leaders indicated that Tharoor had gone beyond a "Lakshman Rekha" (unwritten limit) with his constant assertions regarding the India-Pakistan war.

The CWC meeting, according to sources, had major leaders like Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sachin Pilot, and Tharoor himself. Party sources sent out a strong message that it was not the moment for individual opinions but for upholding party positions. One leader did observe, though, that Tharoor was on the party line in the meeting and made "constructive suggestions."

Tharoor assured his backing for the government's initiative to deal with terror, bringing into reference the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the identification of several attackers. "I am 100 per cent backing the government in making such a decision," he declared.

He further added that, as of his knowledge, direct military confrontations between India and Pakistan either ceased or were suspended, and stressed terrorism was a different matter and warned against escalating public tension. "You pursue the terrorists, we stand with the government," he also reiterated again, affirming his complete support for anti-terrorism operations.