Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor held a crucial two-hour meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, aimed at addressing recent strains within the party. Tharoor, who has been at odds with the Congress leadership on multiple fronts, emerged from the discussion with a positive outlook, stating that "issues are sorted out" and emphasizing unity moving forward.
Background of the Meeting
The meeting comes in the wake of a recent flashpoint when Tharoor skipped a key All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting last week, which involved top party leaders from Kerala strategizing for the upcoming Assembly polls. His absence fueled speculation about his discontent within the party, with sources indicating he felt "unwanted" and miffed over perceived slights.
Key Discussions and Assurances
During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi took the lead in discussions, reassuring Tharoor of his importance to the party. Gandhi emphasized that Tharoor is crucial for the Congress, particularly in the context of the Kerala Assembly elections, and assured him that he would be kept in the loop on all major decisions in the state. A source revealed, "Rahul Gandhi did most of the talking... He insisted that the party needs Tharoor and that he should campaign for the UDF in Kerala."
Tharoor reportedly detailed his grievances, including feeling insulted at a recent grand mahapanchayat in Kochi, where Gandhi omitted his name during acknowledgments. This incident had been communicated to party officials like Deepa Dasmunsi and K C Venugopal prior to the meeting. Gandhi urged Tharoor to move past these issues, highlighting the need for collective effort to win Kerala.
Tharoor's Response and Future Role
After the meeting, Tharoor expressed optimism, stating, "We had a very good, constructive discussion. All is good, and we are moving forward together on the same page." He clarified that there was no discussion about the Chief Minister candidate for Kerala, asserting his focus remains on his role as an MP. Tharoor's significance to the Congress is underscored by Kerala being a key state in the upcoming polls, where the party sees a realistic chance of victory compared to other states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam.
Broader Implications for the Congress
Tharoor's strained relations with the Congress top brass, both nationally and in Kerala, have often sparked rumors about his future in the party. However, this meeting appears to have mitigated tensions, with Venugopal facilitating the dialogue to resolve differences. The resolution is timely as the Congress gears up for electoral battles, with Kerala being a critical focus area.
In summary, the two-hour meeting has helped align Tharoor with the party leadership, reinforcing his role in the Congress's strategy for the Kerala Assembly polls. With assurances of inclusion and collaboration, the party aims to present a united front in the upcoming elections.
