New Delhi- Senior Congress figure Udit Raj responded sharply to Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, questioning the latter's contributions to the party following reports that Tharoor had sought clarification about his own role within Congress.

Speaking to IANS, Raj directly challenged his colleague by asking, "Shashi Tharoor, what are you doing for the party?" He emphasized that the Congress had invested significantly in Tharoor's career, appointing him as a minister and supporting his parliamentary position. "The party has given him a lot. What did he give back or do for the party?" Raj questioned.

Raj further suggested that while Tharoor benefited during the party's more successful periods, he should now consider how to support Congress during its current challenges. "The party did a lot during the good days, now the party is going through bad times. He should think about how he should give back to the party," Raj stated.

Tharoor, a four-term MP representing Thiruvananthapuram, has recently drawn criticism from within Congress circles for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's U.S. visit and acknowledging industrial growth in Kerala under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership. These comments have reportedly exacerbated existing tensions between Tharoor and the Kerala Congress unit.

Sources indicate that Tharoor's frustrations have intensified since his unsuccessful bid for the Congress presidency. In a recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with being sidelined, particularly noting his exclusion from important party discussions and parliamentary debates.

While the former UN diplomat has generally avoided public statements about his internal party grievances, observers note that his social media activity has subtly conveyed his dissatisfaction with the party leadership.

This exchange highlights growing divisions within Congress as it continues to navigate challenges following recent electoral setbacks.