Mon Aug 18 09:04:20 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, appeared to criticize his own party for boycotting a parliamentary discussion dedicated to Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s spaceflight and its potential impact. This incident potentially signals a growing rift between Tharoor and the Congress party.

## News Article:

**Tharoor Appears to Criticize Congress Party for Skipping Astronaut Discussion, Fuels Speculation of Rift**

**New Delhi:** Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor appears to have taken a swipe at his own party on Monday, questioning their decision to abstain from a special parliamentary discussion focused on Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic spaceflight and its implications. The seemingly pointed remark has ignited speculation about a potential growing distance between the prominent MP and the Congress party.

While the Congress party remained absent from the discussion, Tharoor, known for his independent voice and often dissenting opinions, took to social media, appearing to express his dismay. Though he didn’t explicitly mention the party, the timing and context led many political observers to interpret his comments as a direct criticism of the Congress’s decision to boycott the session.

“It’s crucial for Parliament to engage with matters of national importance, especially those concerning scientific advancement and future possibilities,” a source close to Tharoor quoted him as saying, further fueling the rumors of a potential divide.

The Congress party has yet to officially respond to Tharoor’s remarks. However, this latest incident adds fuel to existing whispers about Tharoor’s relationship with the party leadership, particularly following his past expressions of independent thinking.

The absence of the Congress from the discussion, coupled with Tharoor’s apparent disapproval, raises questions about the party’s stance on space exploration and its commitment to engaging in crucial debates within Parliament. This incident could potentially mark a significant turning point in Tharoor’s career within the Congress, leaving many wondering about his future within the party.

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