A seemingly casual selfie shared by BJP MP Jay Panda featuring Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on a flight has stirred speculation yet again, prompting an immediate clarification from Tharoor. The BJP leader posted the image with a cheeky caption suggesting that they were “finally travelling in the same direction”, fuelling political chatter online.

“My friend & fellow traveler called me mischievous for saying that we seem to be finally travelling in the same direction,” Panda wrote in a post on X.

In response, Shashi Tharoor quickly clarified that the encounter was coincidental, stating he was en route to attend the Kalinga Literature Festival in Bhubaneswar, and would be returning the very next day

“Fellow traveller only to Bhubaneswar! I am addressing the Kalinga LitFest tomorrow morning. And coming right back,” he posted.

Background: Tharoor’s recent praise for rivals sparked internal row

The selfie follows recent controversies around Tharoor’s remarks praising the Kerala LDF government’s economic handling, which had earlier led to discomfort within the Congress leadership. His comments had drawn criticism from party colleagues, who accused him of projecting a “distorted” political narrative.

Tharoor had later toned down his earlier remarks, particularly after a report surfaced stating that over 42,000 MSMEs had shut down in Kerala in the past nine years.

The situation escalated when Tharoor, during a podcast, said he had “other options” if the Congress no longer needed his service. Though he clarified that he was not referring to political alternatives, it triggered fresh debates about his loyalty within party ranks.

Adding to the mix, a selfie shared with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan—the face of the Congress’s rival LDF—added to the speculation. The Congress central leadership later tried to dispel rumours of a rift by sharing visuals of party unity, including a post by Rahul Gandhi affirming that they “stand as one.”

This latest episode shows Tharoor’s caution in managing public perception amidst ongoing internal scrutiny, as he seeks to maintain balance between his individual outreach and party expectations.

The Congress on Saturday hailed the visit of a Supreme Court delegation in Manipur as a positive step, while sharply questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has yet to visit the violence-scarred state.

Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh praised the initiative of the six judges who toured relief camps, but underscored the dire situation that has persisted for nearly two years, leaving a trail of death and displacement.

“It’s a welcome move that Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Vishwanathan, and N Kotishwar have gone to Manipur,” Ramesh said. “For 22 months, the state’s been in turmoil—hundreds killed, around 60,000 forced into relief camps and shelter homes. The Supreme Court judges’ visit is a ray of hope, but when will the PM show up?”

The delegation, which inspected camps in Churachandpur, comes as Manipur grapples with the aftermath of ethnic clashes that flared up in May 2023 during a tribal rally over the Meitei community’s Scheduled Tribe status demand.

Ramesh didn’t hold back on the Centre’s response, particularly the belated imposition of President’s Rule on 13 February 2025, prompted by a state governor’s report. “Back on 1 August 2023, the Supreme Court declared Manipur’s constitutional machinery had crumbled. Why did it take 18 months to act? That’s a question begging an answer,” he fumed.

He also took aim at Home Minister Amit Shah, noting his recent Rajya Sabha address skirted the Manipur crisis. “Shah spoke for four hours yesterday about his ministry’s work, but Manipur barely got a mention. The NDA swept the polls in February 2022, yet within 15 months, the state was up in flames. Where’s the accountability?”

The Congress leader contrasted Shah’s visit to Mizoram with his absence from Manipur. “The Home Minister can travel to Mizoram, but not Manipur? And what about the Mizoram CM’s remarks from America? That’s stirring the pot too,” Ramesh said, hinting at deeper political undercurrents.

He pressed Modi to make time for Manipur, perhaps en route to or from his upcoming Bangkok trip. “A PM visit could bring some solace—a healing touch for a state crying out for it,” he urged.

As India observes Shaheed Diwas on March 23, 2025, the nation pauses to pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Hari Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, three young revolutionaries whose fearless actions and ultimate sacrifice left a lasting imprint on India’s freedom struggle.

While their execution in 1931 by the British shocked and enraged a nation, it also ignited a deeper resistance across India. Their legacy continues to live on through the pages of books that provide deeper insights into their philosophy, struggle, and courage.

This Shaheed Diwas, take a moment to explore some of the most compelling books written on these martyrs — from jail diaries and biographies to powerful essays that highlight their ideological depth.

Books to read on Shaheed Diwas 2025:

1. Jail Diary of Bhagat Singh

A deeply personal account of Bhagat Singh’s days behind bars, this diary captures his revolutionary thoughts, political ideology, and emotional strength. It reveals how even in captivity, he remained unwavering in his belief in India’s freedom.

2. Mere Bhaee Shaheed Sukhdev (Biography)

Written by Sukhdev Thapar’s own brother, this biography offers a unique and intimate look into Sukhdev’s life, the struggles faced by his family, and his invaluable contribution to India’s freedom movement.

3. Why I Am an Atheist | Letters & Jail Diary of Bhagat Singh on Revolution, Religion & Politics

This collection of Bhagat Singh’s essays showcases his rational thinking and progressive ideology. His famous piece “Why I Am an Atheist” challenges blind faith and reflects his sharp political and philosophical mind.

4. Shaheed-E-Watan Rajguru (Hindi)

Dedicated to Shivaram Hari Rajguru, this Hindi biography details his role in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA) and how he fought alongside Bhagat Singh. A must-read to understand the lesser-known hero of India’s independence story.

5. Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh: A Tale

A narrative-driven book that brings alive the bravery and ideology of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. It highlights their firm belief in the cause of freedom and their readiness to die for it.

These books not only educate but also inspire, offering readers a chance to engage with the thoughts and ideals that shaped India’s revolutionary path. Shaheed Diwas is more than just a remembrance—it’s a call to revisit and reflect on the lives that helped shape modern India.