During the commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, Modi took a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc, saying their presence would give “sleepless nights to many”. He made the comment in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
The Congress on Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks suggesting that the opposition’s presence would cause “sleepless nights,” saying the party will instead use those nights to hold him accountable.
During the commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, Modi took a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc, saying their presence would give “sleepless nights to many”. He made the comment in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Responding to Modi’s comments, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Even after the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, our PM remains fixated on disturbing the sleep of opposition leaders instead of confronting the real threat—Pakistan. His priorities are crystal clear: appeasing his real master–Adani.”
“But rest assured, PM, while you’re busy with your distractions, our sleepless nights will be spent holding you accountable,” Venugopal said.
“We will relentlessly pressure you to set a timeline for the caste census, remove 50 percent cap on reservations, and finally deliver the strong, decisive response that Pakistan so rightly deserves,” he added.
At the Vizhinjam event, Modi referred to Vijayan as a “pillar” of the INDIA bloc and said Tharoor’s presence would “take away the sleep of many.” The translation of the speech was inaccurate, prompting Modi to say, “The message has gone across to whom it was meant.”
Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, welcomed the prime minister upon his arrival in the city Thursday. He wrote on X, “Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency. Looking forward to his officially commissioning Vizhinjam port, a project I have been proud to have been involved with since its inception.”
Tharoor’s presence has sparked criticism within his party. Some Congress leaders have accused him of going soft on the BJP, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack. In March, Tharoor also drew attention for praising the Modi government’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling it an example of “deft diplomacy.”
Congress leader Udit Raj recently criticised Tharoor for reportedly saying, “no country has 100-per cent foolproof intelligence” after the Pahalgam attack. Raj questioned how Tharoor, a Congressman, could appear to defend the BJP.
Tharoor responded by noting Raj’s background. “He is a former Bharatiya Janata Party MP and is better qualified to understand who speaks for the BJP,” Tharoor said.
