New Delhi: A public spat broke out between Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor on Thursday, with the two exchanging sharply worded open letters on foreign policy, ideology and personal remarks.The confrontation began after Aiyar published an open letter to Tharoor in Frontline magazine, criticizing comments he made during a televised discussion of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.Aiyar said in the letter that he was “completely shocked” by Tharoor’s remarks and claimed that the issue disturbed him so much that he woke up in the early hours of the morning to write the letter.Recalling the Congress presidential election, Aiyar said he supported Tharoor’s candidacy even though he knew he would lose to Malikajun Haq. Aiyar also said that he openly advocated that Haq should give Tharoor an honorable place in the party despite his defeat.However, Aiyar said he now regretted the support, accusing Tharoor of supporting a “might makes right” approach in international affairs and of being too cautious in criticizing the United States due to the possible economic consequences for India.Aiyar also questioned Tharoor’s position as chairman of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on External Affairs, arguing that leaving foreign policy decisions to the government defeats the purpose of the role.The veteran Congress leader further criticized Tharoor’s past stance on the Sabarimala temple entry issue, saying his stand on the issue of restrictions on menstruating women in temples had earlier raised doubts about his ideological alignment with the party.Eyal concluded his letter by declaring that their differences had reached a breaking point, saying it marked a “parting of ways.”On Thursday, Tharoor issued an open letter carried by New Delhi Television, refuting Aiyar’s allegations and defending his views.He said disagreements were natural in a healthy democracy but criticized Aiyar for questioning his motives and character.Tharoor said his views on international affairs stem from a “clearly nationalist perspective”, adding that weighing India’s geopolitical realities and economic consequences should not be viewed as a moral compromise but as responsible decision-making.“No generation has a monopoly on patriotism, or on the interpretation of Gandhi or Nehru. A true tribute to their legacy lies in the judicious application of their values to the realities of our time,” he wrote.He also dismissed Aiyar’s remarks about his foreign travel as baseless. Tharoor said that apart from participating in the all-party delegation related to Operation Sindoor, his overseas trips were in a personal capacity and were not arranged or funded by the government.Responding to criticism on the Sabarimala issue, Tharoor said he supported the official stance of the Congress party and had previously explained his position in detail.While acknowledging Aiyar’s support during the Congress presidential election, Tharoor said he had defended Aiyar in the past too, including when the veteran leader faced intra-party disciplinary action.“I also support you very strongly as the ‘high command’ of the party, especially when you were suspended from the party membership. I have no regrets that this injustice was reversed,” Tharoor wrote.The Thiruvananthapuram MP said Aiyar’s suggestion of a “part of the ways” was disingenuous, arguing that such a break had become apparent through multiple personal remarks against him in recent months.
