Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has firmly dismissed ongoing speculation regarding a potential rift within the party, projecting an image of unity and camaraderie with the Congress high-command. This comes after his recent meeting with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Tharoor Affirms Loyalty to Congress Leadership
The Thiruvananthapuram MP, who affectionately referred to Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge as "my two leaders", made it clear that he has no intentions of leaving the Congress party. He downplayed the controversy that followed the recent "Kochi Mahapanchayat" event, emphasizing his commitment to the party's cause.
Campaign Strategy for Kerala Assembly Elections
Tharoor presented a united front ahead of the crucial Kerala assembly polls, where the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) aims to unseat the incumbent Left Democratic Front (LDF) government headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He revealed ambitious plans to campaign extensively across all 140 constituencies in the state.
Elaborating on his campaign strategy, Tharoor stated, "People seem to overlook the fact that in the last elections, I campaigned in 56 constituencies. That doesn't change. I hope to add even more constituencies to that list this time. It is very important that we send the right message to voters and have an opportunity to make a significant impact on people's lives."
Praise for Rahul Gandhi and Party Unity
The Congress MP offered glowing praise for former party president Rahul Gandhi, describing him as "sincere" and a "strong voice" on critical issues like communalism in the country. Tharoor emphasized the positive working relationship within the party leadership, saying, "I see it in a positive way that one has an opportunity to discuss all issues very cordially and constructively in the spirit of camaraderie. We are all colleagues working together. These are my two leaders -- the Congress president and the leader of the opposition in my own House of Parliament. We are moving forward together in a very positive way."
Dismissing Internal Discord Reports
Tharoor categorically rejected media reports suggesting discord within the party, terming them "exaggerated" and asserting that "all is good". Following his meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Kharge in Parliament, Tharoor shared a photograph of the three leaders on social media with the captions "all is good" and "we are all on the same page".
Addressing Past Controversies and Party Discipline
Reflecting on criticism regarding his stance on certain issues, Tharoor acknowledged that some may have perceived his views as pro-BJP, but he insisted they were fundamentally "pro-India". He explained, "I have made it clear in the past as well that on some international matters, I do not like to talk about politics and instead prefer to speak about the country. It is not something new, I have always said so."
The Congress leader referenced last year's controversy surrounding his comments on the India-Pakistan conflict and diplomatic outreach after the Pahalgam attack, which differed from the official Congress position and drew criticism from some party colleagues. Tharoor admitted that a party member should not deviate from the party line, stating, "I have always stood with the party in Parliament and therefore, there is no need to be concerned."
Commitment to Congress and Kerala Campaign
When pressed by reporters to categorically state whether he would leave the Congress party, Tharoor responded unequivocally, "I can say that I am going to be in the Congress and that I am not going anywhere. I will be part of the poll campaign (in Kerala) and will work for the victory of the UDF." He did, however, express bemusement at being repeatedly asked to make such declarations of loyalty.
Tharoor also addressed recent reports about his dissatisfaction with treatment at a Kochi event and alleged attempts by some leaders to sideline him in Kerala politics. While acknowledging these concerns, he maintained his focus on the upcoming electoral battle and the broader goal of party unity.
The senior parliamentarian's statements come at a critical juncture for the Congress party in Kerala, where internal cohesion and a united campaign front are essential for challenging the ruling LDF government. Tharoor's extensive campaign plans and public affirmation of loyalty to the party leadership signal a strategic effort to present a consolidated opposition front ahead of the state elections.
