Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also attended the state banquet organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan today on Friday (December 06, 2025) in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In recent times, he has been seen many times giving positive statements towards the Modi government at the Centre. Indifference regarding this was also seen in Congress. In such a situation, it has been discussed many times that Tharoor will leave Congress. Amidst such discussions, Shashi Tharoor made his stand clear while talking to a media channel.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, after attending the state dinner organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan, said that he is not bothered by the rumors of leaving Congress and will remain in the party. Tharoor said that he received this invitation because of his parliamentary role and work related to international affairs, and not as a signal to change politics.

Honor given to dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Tharoor attended a dinner organized in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said in an interview to NDTV, ‘I have come to Rashtrapati Bhavan after a long time. This time the government seems to have decided to include different political voices. This is a good thing. He said that because he works on international affairs, it is important for him to participate in such programs.

Reaction on Rahul Gandhi and Kharge not receiving invitation
When asked why Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge did not receive invitations, Tharoor said, ‘I don’t know on what basis the invitations were given. But it is an honor to be called. Many Congress leaders had raised questions on this matter.

Cooperation with government does not mean changing party: Tharoor
Tharoor clearly said that working with the government on some issues is part of democracy, but it does not mean changing the party. He said, ‘We disagree on some things and agree on others. Where there is agreement, work should be done together. This is what democracy looks like.’

Answer on changing party
Recently, after giving positive statements towards the government, discussions about Tharoor changing party had intensified. On this he said, ‘I am a Congress Party MP. Won the election with a lot of hard work. Even thinking about any other option would be a big decision. Tharoor told that even before dinner he was talking to government officials about the development of his area. He said, ‘It is my duty to work for my voters.’

At the state banquet organized in the honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin on behalf of President Draupadi Murmu, dishes like Gucchi Doon Chetin made with mushroom and Kashmiri walnut chutney, pickled brinjal and yellow dal tadka were served. Traditional dishes from different regions were given place in the banquet organized in the honor of the Russian delegation.

This was the last event held for President Putin, after which he returned to Moscow on Friday (5 December 2025). The state banquet organized in President Putin’s honor included several dishes including the Bengali sweet ‘Jaggery Sandesh’ and the South Indian snack ‘Murukku’. During the state banquet, the Naval Band and artists accompanied by classical instruments presented a combination of Indian classical music, Bollywood tunes and Russian compositions, underscoring the deep cultural ties between the two countries. Gone. The Naval Band also presented a song from Shahrukh Khan’s film Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. Apart from this, presentation of Russian folk tune was also given.

Various types of breads were served

Classical artists performed on traditional instruments like Sarod, Sarangi and Tabla and also presented ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ in honor of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The main dishes served included curry with dry fruits and saffron pulao and various types of rotis like Lachha Paratha and Magaj Naan. Keeping in mind the cold of the capital, the banquet was concluded with a warming sweet dish like almond pudding.

Starting with hot Murungelaai Charu

The dinner started with the hot Murungelaai Charu with the aroma of South India. After this, Putin was served dishes which had the color of Kashmir, the taste of the Himalayas and the freshness of the North-East – all in one plate. Shikampuri Kebab, Jhol Momo, Gucchi based dish and Walnut Chutney brought alive the diversity of Indian taste before them.

Main Cuisine Royal form of Indian tradition

For the main course, they were served saffron cheese rolls, thick greens made with spinach and fenugreek, tandoor-cooked stuffed potatoes and pickled brinjals. Besides, the desi tadka of dal and the saffron pulao fragrant with dry fruits made this thali more special. There was also a full basket of rotis. Lachha Parantha, Missi Roti, Magaz Naan, Satnaaz and Biskuti Roti, as if the entire taste of India has come together.

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