Tharoor's Absence at Congress Strategy Meet Fuels Speculation of Internal Rift
In a move that has reignited discussions about internal discord within the Congress party, senior leader and four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was notably absent from a key meeting of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) held in New Delhi on Friday. The gathering, chaired by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, aimed to finalize strategies for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April.
Snub at Kochi Event Sparks Discontent
Sources close to the development reveal that Tharoor's decision to skip the meeting stems from feeling "deeply insulted" at a recent Congress event in Kochi. During the grand mahapanchayat inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, Gandhi mentioned several leaders present on the dais by name but omitted Tharoor. Additionally, Congress insiders noted that Gandhi did not greet Tharoor, and the state party leadership had reportedly asked Tharoor to conclude his speech before Gandhi's arrival on stage.
Although Tharoor, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), complied and ended his speech shortly after Gandhi's appearance, he was reportedly taken aback when at least six other party leaders, including some non-CWC members, spoke after him in Gandhi's presence. This perceived slight has left Tharoor feeling unwanted and has prompted him to assert his "self-respect", with sources indicating he believes the party cannot take him for granted.
Timing Adds to Election-Year Tensions
The absence comes at a critical juncture for the Congress, as Kerala is one of the few states where the party has a realistic chance of securing a victory in the upcoming Assembly polls. While the Congress faces challenges in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam, the Kerala elections are seen as a high-stakes battle. The Friday meeting focused on key electoral preparations, including:
- Seat-sharing negotiations with allies
- Smooth candidate selection processes
- Establishment of campaign and manifesto committees
Despite Tharoor informing AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi and general secretary K C Venugopal about his prior commitment to the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, sources confirm that both leaders were aware of his "unhappiness". This incident follows recent signals of reconciliation, such as Tharoor's engaging conversations with Kerala colleagues during a brainstorming session in Wayanad earlier this month, which had hinted at resolved differences.
Broader Implications for Party Unity
Tharoor, who began his political journey in 2009, has consistently voiced his opinions on state and national issues, often causing discomfort within certain sections of the Congress leadership. His latest actions have fueled speculation about his future in the party, with some viewing him as a potential rebel. The question now circulating in party circles is what changed between the collaborative atmosphere in Wayanad and the current tensions.
As the Congress gears up for the polls, the party plans to hold a state election committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram next week to address these and other key issues. Tharoor's stance underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining unity and coordination within the grand old party during a crucial election season.
