BJP Leader’s Post on Flight with Shashi Tharoor Sparks Speculation
BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda shared a flight photo with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, suggestively hinting they were traveling together. Tharoor clarified he was traveling for the Kalinga LitFest. The article discusses Tharoor’s political interactions, past criticisms, and his assessment of India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Baijayant Jay Panda created a stir by sharing a photo alongside Congress MP Shashi Tharoor aboard a flight on social media platform X. Panda’s caption alluded to them traveling in the “same direction.” However, Tharoor promptly clarified that he was en route to Bhubaneswar solely for the Kalinga LitFest event.
In his post, Panda referred to Tharoor as a “friend & fellow traveler” and mentioned Tharoor called him “mischievous” for suggesting they were on a common journey. In response, Tharoor emphasized his agenda, confirming his attendance at the Kalinga LitFest while stating he would return after the event.
The Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) began on March 21 in Bhubaneswar and spans three days, featuring over 400 participants, including esteemed writers and thought leaders globally. Tharoor’s recent interactions, including a photo with BJP leader Piyush Goyal, have stoked speculation about his political future and stance toward the BJP.
Tharoor captioned a photo with Goyal and British Secretary of State for Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, highlighting the revival of long-stalled Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, describing it as positive progress. He also reviewed his earlier critical stance regarding India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, expressing that India is now in a more favorable position to influence lasting peace.
During an interview at the Raisina Dialogue, Tharoor admitted to feeling embarrassed about his past criticism of India’s position during the onset of the conflict. He stood against Russia’s aggression, citing violations of the UN charter and the sovereignty of Ukraine, principles that he believes justify his opposition.
The article underscores the interplay between political interactions among leaders from different parties, illustrated by a flight photo between BJP’s Baijayant Jay Panda and Congress’s Shashi Tharoor. While Panda’s post suggested camaraderie, Tharoor clarified his purpose for travel related to the Kalinga LitFest. Additionally, Tharoor’s reflections on India’s foreign policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war illustrate his ongoing engagement with both domestic and international political discourses.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
