Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor has once again found himself at the centre of an online frenzy after a photograph of him with senior journalist Runjhun Sharma, Head of News for RT India, went viral. The images, originally posted by Sharma herself, have ignited widespread speculation and discussion on social media regarding the nature of their relationship.
The photograph in question captures a moment of close camaraderie. In the picture, Mr. Tharoor is seen seated comfortably on a single-seater sofa, while Ms. Sharma is positioned right beside him, sitting on the armrest. Her body language—with one hand resting gently on his shoulder and the other on his hand—suggested a level of personal closeness that immediately caught the attention of internet users.
The Post's Context
The viral photos were reportedly taken during Mr. Tharoor’s visit to Moscow for an appearance on an RT program focused on India-Russia relations and his prior series on British colonialism. Ms. Sharma's original Instagram caption referenced the meeting, stating, “After handing Britain a big, fat stack of colonial receipts. He's back. This time in Moscow. It's an #IndiaRussia special on RT.”
Despite the professional context of the visit, the intimate framing and candid nature of the pictures—especially the physical proximity—led many social media users to question the personal relationship between the veteran politician and the journalist.
Tharoor and Viral Photos
Shashi Tharoor, a politician known for his impeccable English vocabulary and diplomatic career, is no stranger to photographs that go viral and ignite debate. In the past, he has faced similar social media scrutiny over pictures with women MPs and other colleagues, which he has consistently clarified as innocent expressions of workplace camaraderie.
While neither Mr. Tharoor nor Ms. Sharma has issued a formal statement specifically addressing the online speculation about their personal connection, the photos continue to circulate widely, generating thousands of likes, shares, and a variety of humorous theories and discussions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
