Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has again drawn attention by commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a July 2 article published by the Deepika Malayalam daily, he highlighted Modi’s international role and development achievements. Tharoor noted that Modi is the longest-serving continuously elected prime minister in Indian history, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru. He described Modi as one of the nation’s most influential leaders alongside Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The country has seen major progress across sectors since 2014, according to Tharoor. He stated that India is experiencing its most significant transformation since independence, with strong financial management and benefits reaching ordinary citizens. Infrastructure has advanced markedly, including new airports, ports, roads, railways, and expanded access to piped water and electricity in villages. Banking inclusion has grown sharply, with nearly everyone now holding accounts and using digital payments. Direct transfers have reduced corruption in subsidies. Tharoor credited the JAM trinity of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and mobile phones for enabling the Unified Payments Interface and lifting millions out of poverty. He also praised Modi’s foreign policy for balancing ties with Russia and the United States, strengthening links with Gulf nations, and positioning India as a voice for the Global South. Trade agreements with the European Union and Britain, along with India’s role in the Quad, were cited as evidence of an independent approach. The remarks have placed the Congress party, particularly its Kerala unit, under pressure as leaders consider their response.
