New Delhi, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Friday stepped up its attack on the Congress after party MP Shashi Tharoor differed with senior leader P. Chidambaram over the relevance and benefits of the BRICS grouping, alleging that the contrasting views reflected internal divisions within the Opposition party.
The controversy began after former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram questioned the tangible economic and strategic gains India had secured through its participation in BRICS. He also said he had not seen significant outcomes emerging from recent meetings of the grouping.
Tharoor, however, defended the importance of the BRICS Summit, arguing that the grouping provides an important platform for the Global South and showcases India’s ability to bring major countries together on a common forum.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said the contrasting statements from the two Congress leaders highlighted what he described as the party’s “double standards”.
“Two people from the same party are making statements that contradict each other,” Khandelwal told IANS. He said Tharoor was right in highlighting BRICS as a global platform for strengthening economic, social and strategic relations with different countries.
Khandelwal also questioned whether BRICS summits were not held during Chidambaram’s tenure as a Union Minister, arguing that the former minister had recognised the relevance of such international forums while in government but was now questioning their importance from the Opposition.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde also targeted the Congress leadership, saying Chidambaram’s criticism of BRICS and Tharoor’s contrasting assessment pointed to growing disagreements within the party.
He alleged that Chidambaram’s remarks could undermine India’s global standing, while Tharoor had acknowledged the benefits of BRICS for the country.
BJP leader RP Singh, referring to a previous remark by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at the Opposition, described Chidambaram as a “naraz fufa” and accused him of finding fault with everything.
However, Shiv Sena-UBT spokesperson Anand Dubey took a different view, saying the issue should not become a subject of political confrontation.
“Politics should not be done over this issue. In any case, the BRICS Summit will be beneficial to India,” Dubey said.
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