Shashi Tharoor Criticizes Kerala Aid to Turkey Amid India-Turkey Tensions

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has sparked a controversy by criticizing the Kerala government's decision to donate Rs 10 crore to Turkey after the 2023 earthquake, calling it "misplaced generosity" due to Turkey's support for Pakistan against India.

Tharoor's comments were met with a strong response from CPI(M) leaders, including John Brittas, who accused him of "selective amnesia" for forgetting that the Central government, led by Prime Minister Modi, had also provided aid to Turkey through Operation Dost. The Kerala government had received a sanction from the Centre to send the aid, which was defended by CPI(M) leader K N Balagopal as a humanitarian gesture unrelated to the current border crisis.

The debate over the aid has also been linked to the devastating landslides in Wayanad district in 2024, which killed around 300 people. Tharoor, who represents the district, suggested that the Rs 10 crore could have been better used locally to support rebuilding efforts. The Kerala government had sought assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre for the same purpose.

The exchange has also led to infighting within the Congress party, with leader Udit Raj accusing Tharoor of having a soft spot for PM Modi. Raj pointed out that the Modi government's Operation Dost had also provided aid to Turkey, and questioned why Tharoor was hiding his love for Modi. The controversy comes amid a deterioration in India-Turkey ties following Turkey's support for Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor.

The debate highlights the complexities of India's foreign policy and the challenges of navigating humanitarian crises while balancing geopolitical interests. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Kerala government and the Central government will respond to the criticism and the evolving dynamics with Turkey.