‘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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44 peacocks die of H5N1 in Karnataka’s Tumakuru; minister orders precautions
Bengaluru (PTI): After 44 peacocks died of the H5N1 virus in Tumakuru district, Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre on Saturday directed officials to implement strict precautionary measures to prevent its spread across forest areas, including zoos and bird sanctuaries.
The directive comes after laboratory reports from the ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal recently confirmed H5N1 avian influenza as the cause of the deaths.
According to the state forest minister, the peacocks died between April 16 and 21 in and around Bommanahalli and Kolihalli villages in Urdigere hobli, and Bairasandra and Hullenahalli villages in Gulur hobli of Tumakuru district.
“In this context, instructions have been issued in line with the revised H5N1 Action Plan of the Central Government to prevent the spread of infection across all forest areas, including zoos, bird sanctuaries, Magadi Lake, and the community reserve at Kokkare Bellur,” Khandre said in a note addressed to the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden.
He also directed that any deaths of birds, whether migratory or local, must be reported immediately, and that samples from carcasses should be collected and sent for testing.
If required, a nodal officer may be appointed to monitor the situation across the state, he added.
Authorities have established an infected zone within a 0–3 km radius and a surveillance zone extending from 3 to 10 km.
According to the Health Department, surveillance for fever, Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) will be carried out over the next 10 days, covering a population of 20,432 across 38 villages.
In light of the situation, the department has advised the public to follow precautionary measures to minimise the risk of infection by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and maintaining hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water.
It has also suggested the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling birds or their droppings, and advised ensuring that poultry and eggs are thoroughly cooked (above 80 degrees celcius) before consumption.
The health department has also recommended avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness.
The department said it is closely monitoring the situation and has put necessary precautionary measures in place.
The public has been advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms promptly, officials added.
Avian influenza (H5N1) is a subtype of the influenza virus that infects birds and mammals, including humans in rare instances, according to the World Health Organisation. Human cases reported so far have been mostly linked to close contact with infected birds or other animals, or with contaminated environments.
