'Nation first, parties are means to make country better': Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor

Senior Congress leader and the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, has once again emphasised that national interest must take precedence over party politics, especially in matters concerning the country's security and unity.

Speaking at separate events in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, Tharoor reiterated his core philosophy — that the nation must come before all political loyalties.

Tharoor's remarks came in response to a student’s question on his relationship with the party high command. Tharoor clarified that while he remains committed to the Congress and its values, he firmly believes that cooperation across party lines is sometimes necessary in the national interest. “Politics in any democracy is about competition. But when national security is at stake, collaboration becomes essential. That should not be seen as disloyalty,” he said.

He also said that he will stand his ground regarding supporting the nation's armed forces and the government as he believes "this is the right thing for the country". "Which is your first loyalty? To my mind, the nation comes first. Parties are a means of making the nation better. So, to my mind, whichever party you belong to, the objective of the party is to create a better India in its own way.

"Now, parties have every right to disagree about the best way of doing that.. As you know, a lot of people have been very critical of me because of the stand I have taken, supporting our armed forces and our government, and what happened in our country and our borders," he said, while speaking at a private event here on 'Peace, Harmony and National Development'.

On being asked whether he has any problems with the Congress high command, he said he was not here to discuss any politics or problems. "I came to give two speeches. Both the speeches were on themes I hope the public will respect and value. First one was about development, the role of businesses and peace and harmony.

"The second was mainly on the theme of communal harmony and trying, at the same time, to live together in order for all of us to grow and develop. Inclusive development has been my theme throughout my 16 years in politics and I believe in inclusiveness and in development. I also believe in national security and national interest," he said. Regarding the recent survey controversy, Tharoor said he frankly does not know who carries out such surveys.