The Congress party leadership is reportedly planning to meet senior party member Shashi Tharoor following his notable absence from a crucial brainstorming session focused on the upcoming Kerala elections last week. This absence has ignited a significant political row, with suggestions emerging that Tharoor might be discontent with the party's current direction or internal dynamics.
Absence Triggers Speculation and Party Response
Tharoor set political circles abuzz after he did not attend a high-level meeting convened by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). This session was specifically organized to discuss election strategy for Kerala and was chaired by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. The meeting saw attendance from all key party members from the poll-bound state, making Tharoor's absence particularly conspicuous.
While Tharoor clarified that he was in Kozhikode for the Kerala Literature Festival and had informed the party about his inability to attend, the Thiruvananthapuram MP also acknowledged having certain issues with the party that he wishes to discuss with the top leadership. He even confirmed that some press reports highlighting his unhappiness were accurate, adding fuel to the ongoing speculation.
Party Moves to Address Grievances Ahead of Elections
Sources within the Congress indicate that the party brass is actively considering inviting Tharoor for a detailed discussion to address his grievances. According to a party manager, this move is aimed at ensuring unity within the party as it prepares for the Kerala elections. The Congress believes that the opposition alliance, the United Democratic Front (UDF), has a strong chance of dislodging the governing Left Democratic Front (LDF) alliance, especially after the opposition's impressive performance in the local body elections last month.
It is widely felt that Tharoor possesses significant electoral pull and should actively participate in the campaign to enhance the party's prospects. His involvement is seen as crucial for mobilizing support and boosting morale among party workers and supporters.
Internal Dynamics and Detractors Within the Party
However, Tharoor is not without his detractors within the Congress organization. Some party members criticize him for repeatedly taking stances that diverge from the official party line and for what they perceive as a soft approach towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These internal criticisms add another layer of complexity to the current situation.
The recent emergence of tensions within the Kerala party unit has left many members disturbed. This is particularly notable because developments over the past couple of months had suggested a newfound unity in what has historically been a fractious organization. Tharoor had previously attended key party events, such as Lakshya, and had clarified that he had never deviated from the party's stance on critical issues. However, this apparent thaw was abruptly shattered by his absence from the AICC meeting last week.
As the Congress leadership prepares to engage with Tharoor, the focus remains on resolving internal differences and presenting a united front ahead of the crucial Kerala elections. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the party's strategy and electoral performance in the state.
