'In Same Direction': After Jay Panda's Selfie Banter, Shashi Tharoor's 'Only To Bhubaneswar' Reply

Last Updated:March 21, 2025, 23:52 IST

Despite the lighthearted exchange, the photo was enough to stir social media curiosity, with many speculating about the relationship between the two leaders

News18

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday sparked curiosity on the social media platform X after a photo of him with BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda aboard a flight was shared.

Panda, who is the BJP national vice president, posted the photo with Tharoor, captioning it: “My friend & fellow traveler called me mischievous for saying that we seem to be finally travelling in the same direction."

In response, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram quickly responded: “Fellow traveller only to Bhubaneswar! I am addressing the Kalinga LitFest tomorrow morning. And coming right back!!"

The 11th edition of the Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) began in Bhubaneswar on March 21 and will run for three days, with more than 400 writers, intellectuals, and thought leaders from around the world in attendance.

Despite the lighthearted exchange, the photo was enough to stir social media curiosity, with many speculating about the relationship between the two leaders.

One user jokingly remarked: “Directions of wind is changing towards right side." Another user sarcastically commented: “Get ready to welcome @ShashiTharoor in your #BjP00ps!"

Meanwhile, a user suggested that the senior Congress leader “can contribute to the Nation only under Modi as PM & also he can help BJP in Kerala to consolidate vote base there."

Another user, expressing curiosity, suggested, “Would love to be a fly in the wall and listen to the conversation."

Tharoor has recently come under the spotlight for his neutral stance towards the BJP, the Congress party’s main rival. Last month, a photo of him with BJP leader and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal went viral, further fueling speculation about his future in the Congress party.

Tharoor, who shared the photo with Goyal, which also featured British Secretary of State for Trade Jonathan Reynolds, captioned it: “Good to exchange words with Jonathan Reynolds, Britain’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in the company of his Indian counterpart, Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal. The long-stalled FTA negotiations have been revived, which is most welcome."

On Wednesday, Tharoor commented on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “consistent" position that favours a diplomatic resolution. Tharoor had previously criticised India’s stance when Russia first attacked Ukraine, calling for the aggression to be condemned.

Odisha (Orissa), India, India

News politics 'In Same Direction': After Jay Panda's Selfie Banter, Shashi Tharoor's 'Only To Bhubaneswar' Reply