Congress Leaders Bridge Differences in Thiruvananthapuram Meeting
In a significant political development, senior Congress leader and opposition leader V D Satheesan made an unexpected visit to party MP Shashi Tharoor's residence in the state capital on Saturday. This surprise meeting marks a notable thaw in relations following weeks of internal unease and widespread speculation regarding Tharoor's future within the party.
Election Preparations Take Center Stage
The discussions primarily focused on strategic preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala. This gathering is widely perceived as part of a coordinated effort by the Congress high command to resolve internal discord and present a united front before a crucial electoral battle. Tharoor has explicitly communicated his readiness to assume an active role in the campaign across Kerala.
Tharoor is expected to contribute significantly to drafting the election manifesto and vision document. Additionally, he will lead structured interactions with youth and professionals—an initiative the United Democratic Front (UDF) believes could help broaden its appeal beyond traditional voter bases.
High-Command Mediation and Reassurance
The reconciliation process was actively facilitated by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, with veteran leader A K Antony playing a crucial calming role. During the recent Wayanad conclave, Venugopal personally assured Tharoor of his continued political relevance in Kerala. This message was further reinforced through repeated outreach from the state leadership, including Satheesan himself.
Just three days prior to this meeting, Tharoor held discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi. Following these talks, Tharoor emphasized that they are "on the same page." Addressing reporters, he reiterated that there is "only one party" in his life and stated that his sole objective is the victory of the Congress and the UDF. He also dismissed suggestions that his participation in party programs was under any pressure.
Boosting UDF Morale and Strategic Advantage
With Tharoor firmly committed to staying within the party, the UDF camp appears increasingly optimistic. The party leadership believes his influence among young voters and politically unaligned individuals could prove decisive in the upcoming elections. Saturday morning's low-key visit has effectively drawn the curtain on one of the Congress's most awkward internal episodes in recent months, which had peaked amid speculation that Tharoor might align with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Tharoor's Advocacy for Kerala's Development
In related developments, Tharoor emphasized the need for the central government to fulfill its budget promises to Kerala, including the establishment of an AIIMS institution. He stressed the urgency of tackling coastal erosion on a "war footing."
Tharoor pointed out a stark contrast in national attention, noting that while the loss of even an inch of land to a foreign country like China triggers discussions on war and national security threats, the large-scale erosion of coastal areas—referred to as parts of "Bharat Mata"—caused by the sea does not receive similar priority.
He revealed that he has been raising the issue of coastal erosion in Parliament and with the Prime Minister for several years. "The central government says it is the responsibility of the state while the state government says it does not have the funds," Tharoor told reporters, expressing hope that the Union Budget would address this critical issue.
Tharoor also highlighted unemployment as another major concern facing the country. Regarding the proposed AIIMS in Kerala, he noted that the establishment of the institute was promised approximately fifteen years ago but has yet to be realized.
