(Image source from: x.com/ShashiTharoor)

Congress member Shashi Tharoor has been put forward for an award named after Veer Savarkar, which could have created tension between him and his party. However, Tharoor turned down the award, pointing out that there was no clear information about the award's purpose or the group giving it. "I am not going," he said when questioned about attending, then explained his position in an online statement. "Without details on the award's purpose, the organization granting it, or any other relevant information, I can't attend the event or accept the award," the MP further stated. The Veer Savarkar International Impact Award 2025 has been established by the NGO High Range Rural Development Society (HRDS), with Tharoor being named as the first recipient. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will launch the award at NDMC Convention Hall in New Delhi today, recognizing people and organizations that have contributed to national progress, social reform, and humanitarian efforts.

Tharoor mentioned that he heard about the award from news reports yesterday while in Kerala. When asked by local journalists, he said he did not know about the award and had not agreed to receive it. He criticized the organizers for publicly stating he was a recipient without checking with him first, declaring, "It was careless for the organizers to announce my name without my consent to receive it."

"Yet today in Delhi, some news outlets keep asking the same question," his message stated, even though his party members believed that no Congress member would accept an award named after Veer Savarkar. K Muraleedharan, a seasoned Congress member from Kerala, remarked that accepting the award would dishonor and embarrass the Congress party. The BJP and their supporters view Vinayak Damodar 'Veer' Savarkar as a heroic figure, while Congress questions his role in the freedom movement.

Although Tharoor did not comment on Savarkar's character, his decision to reject an award named after him could indicate limits he is not willing to cross, despite his disagreements with how the Congress functions. Recently, Tharoor made headlines for remarks perceived as critical of Congress, including addressing those who disrupt parliament. Nevertheless, he continues to be a member of the longstanding party. "I worked hard to get elected. It would require a lot of thought and various other factors to consider making any changes," he recently told NDTV when asked if he was thinking about switching parties.