‘Don’t ask permission to fly,’ Tharoor's response after Kharge’s criticism over praise for PM Modi
New Delhi: Hours after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Shashi Tharoor for his recent praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram shared a subtle post on X, reported The New Indian Express.
Posting a picture of a bird flying, with words, “Don’t ask permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one.” The post came amid growing tensions within the Congress over Tharoor’s views.
Earlier in the day, Kharge had taken a direct swipe at Tharoor, saying, “It’s country first for us, but for some people, it’s Modi first.”
The controversy began after Tharoor recently praised Modi’s energy and global leadership in an article published in The Hindu. He called the Prime Minister a “prime asset” for India, especially in the context of international affairs. This praise came shortly after the terror attack in Pahalgam and the launch of Operation Sindoor, and it triggered sharp criticism from within the Congress.
While attending an event in Moscow, Tharoor clarified that he was not planning to join the BJP. He said his comments were in the interest of national unity and should not be misunderstood.
Despite the clarification, the Congress distanced itself from Tharoor’s statements. Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said on Monday, “It may be his own opinion; it is not the opinion of the Congress party. We have presented our views with evidence and proof.”
Kharge, addressing the issue again today, appeared to mock Tharoor’s command over English. “He is very fluent in English. I can’t read English well. His language is very good. That’s why we made him a member of the Congress Working Committee,” Kharge said.
He also stressed the importance of unity after the recent terror attack. “We said the country comes first, the party later. But some people feel Modi comes first, the country later. What can we do?” he added.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 25, 2025
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
