'Scared of ED?' Congress leaders Udit Raj, Shashi Tharoor lock horns over Pahalgam remarks

NEW DELHI: War of words has erupted between Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Udit Raj following Tharoor's comments on the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The controversy began when Tharoor supported the central government's position, stating that no nation could guarantee "100 per cent foolproof intelligence."
Tharoor drew parallels with Israel's intelligence failure during the October 7 attack, suggesting that accountability should be demanded after the crisis is resolved. "Just as Israel is waiting till the end of the war before they demand accountability, similarly, I think we too should see the present crisis through before demanding accountability from the government," Tharoor stated.

This stance prompted Udit Raj to question Tharoor's political loyalty, asking whether he was aligned with the Congress or the BJP. Tharoor responded firmly, stating, "I speak for myself. I am not anyone's spokesperson. I think everybody knows that I am not a BJP spokesperson."

Raj intensified his attack on Tharoor by suggesting that Tharoor's positions might be influenced by fear of central agencies like the ED, CBI, and the Income Tax department. He criticised Tharoor's limited participation in protests and questioned his praise for Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic engagements, particularly regarding the meeting with US President Trump.
"Is he scared of ED, CBI and Income Tax? He continually seeks opportunities to defend PM Modi and criticise the Congress party. In how many protests has Shashi Tharoor participated, and how many times has he been arrested?" Udit Raj questioned.
The former BJP MP turned Congress leader also challenged Tharoor's apparent defence of the government, particularly when the administration had acknowledged security lapses in the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, including a Nepali citizen.
Raj argued that as a Congress leader, Tharoor should be demanding stronger action against Pakistan, reminiscent of Congress governments' responses during the 1965 and 1971 wars.