The Congress on Saturday sought to downplay the controversy over party MP Shashi Tharoor’s comments praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic outreach, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh saying that differing opinions are part of the party’s democratic functioning.Congress MP Shashi Tharoor had heaped praise on PM Modi, terming his energy and dynamism as "an asset for India" (Hindustan Times)Responding to questions on Tharoor backing PM Modi’s remarks during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit, Ramesh said Congress allows its leaders to express their views and discuss issues freely within party forums.“We have very knowledgeable and experienced leaders in our party who have much to say on national and international issues, but we are a democratic party, and we allow different points of views to be aired, and we have free and full discussions at party forums. I see that as a strength of the Congress Party that we are a democratic party,” Ramesh told news agency PTI.Tharoor’s remarks trigger political debateThe issue began after Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor expressed support for Prime Minister Modi’s comments regarding the treatment of civilian sailors during conflicts, following his interaction with US President Donald Trump.Also read | 'More interested in political points': Shashi Tharoor vs Congress after he backs Modi-Trump meet at G7Tharoor said PM Modi had clearly conveyed India’s position during both public and private discussions, stressing that civilians working on commercial ships should not be considered combatants during wartime.“It is important to convey the message that in wartime, civilian sailors on commercial ships should not be targets of combat. They are not soldiers, and that is the message PM Modi conveyed," he was quoted as saying by PTI.The remarks drew reactions within the Congress, while the BJP used them to target the opposition party, claiming Tharoor’s comments weakened Congress’ criticism of the government.Congress takes jibe at Shashi TharoorIn response to this, Congress's Pawan Khera targeted Tharoor and stated that the leader's "aspirations" for the prime minister has "transcended the limitations of the physical world. He now seems capable of hearing what Modi doesn't even say.""Tharoor ji somehow heard forceful assertions, robust pushback, and uncompromising diplomacy that never made it into the official record. Perhaps the rest of us are constrained by ordinary human senses," Khera added.Thaoor hits backIn response to Khera's remarks, Shashi Tharoor posted a report regarding the issue of the safety of Indian seafarers being raised during the Modi-Trump meeting.Also read | Shashi Tharoor backs Modi on interaction with Trump, BJP taunts Rahul Gandhi: 'Hope he doesn't sack him'BJP attacks Rahul GandhiTharoor's remarks were quickly seized upon by BJP leaders, who used them to target Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership.BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared a post on X, saying that Tharoor's remarks were a “birthday gift” to Rahul Gandhi, which was a day earlier, as thet “busted his fake narrative”."Yesterday was Rahul Gandhi's birthday. MP Shashi Tharoor once again busts his fake narrative as his birthday gift," Poonawalla wrote.Also read | ‘US relations with Pakistan nothing to do with India’, says Shashi Tharoor, backs separate bilateral tiesHe also highlighted Tharoor's past praise of Modi, describing the Prime Minister as "visionary", "dynamic", a "great orator" and "someone who's leaving a big stamp on India"."Hope Rahul Gandhi doesn't sack him!" Poonawalla added.In a video statement, the BJP spokesperson intensified the attack, claiming that Tharoor's comments reflected growing recognition of PM Modi's leadership.