In a notable development within the Congress party, senior leader and MP Shashi Tharoor was conspicuously absent from a high-level meeting of the Kerala state leadership with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) high command on Friday. This absence comes amidst growing speculation that Tharoor is upset over a recent perceived slight, even as the party intensifies its strategic planning for the upcoming Kerala assembly elections scheduled for mid-2026.
Key Meeting Focuses on Poll Strategy and Unity
The meeting, chaired by AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Rahul Gandhi, brought together important leaders of the Kerala unit to discuss critical aspects of the election campaign. The agenda included formulating a robust poll strategy and finalizing seat-sharing arrangements with alliance partners, underscoring the party's focus on a united front for the electoral battle ahead.
Prominent Attendees and Tharoor's Absence
Among the key figures who participated in the session were AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, special poll observer Sachin Pilot, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, state president Sunny Thomas, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, and MPs Kodikunnil Suresh and Adoor Prakash, among others. Despite receiving an invitation, Tharoor did not attend the meeting, raising eyebrows within political circles.
Sources indicate that Tharoor was in Kozhikode attending the Kerala Literature Festival, where he had a scheduled lecture on an important social reformer. It is reported that he had informed the party in advance about his inability to attend the meeting due to this prior commitment. However, the absence has fueled discussions about underlying tensions.
Reports of Displeasure Over Perceived Snub
Behind the scenes, Tharoor is said to be upset that Rahul Gandhi did not acknowledge him while mentioning other leaders on the dais during a recent "mahapanchayat" organized in Kochi. This event followed the United Democratic Front's (UDF) victory in the local body elections. According to insiders, Tharoor has expressed his unhappiness about this "snub" to the party leadership, highlighting a potential rift.
In response to media queries, Deepa Dasmunshi, the party's state incharge, denied that Tharoor was unhappy with the Congress. She emphasized the party's efforts to maintain harmony and focus on the upcoming elections. However, this denial has done little to quell the speculation surrounding Tharoor's sentiments.
Historical Context and Political Dynamics
The events leading up to the Kochi gathering had suggested a possible thaw in relations between Tharoor and the Congress party. This comes after a period where Tharoor's repeated statements and political stances on various issues had occasionally embarrassed the Congress leadership. The frequent clashes between him and the party had even sparked speculations that Tharoor might be exploring political opportunities outside the Congress fold.
As the party navigates these internal dynamics, it is also engaged in discussions about the potential return of the estranged ally, Kerala Congress (Mani). This move is part of broader efforts to strengthen the UDF alliance ahead of the polls.
Strategic Planning for Kerala Elections
In preparation for the Kerala polls, the Congress is deliberating on several key decisions, including whether sitting MPs will be fielded in the state elections. It is almost finalized that most of the current MLAs will be repeated, indicating a strategy of continuity and experience. The recent comfortable victory of the UDF alliance over the governing Left bloc in the local body elections last month has rekindled hopes about its prospects in the assembly polls, providing a morale boost for the party.
The Congress leadership has urged all netas to put up a united fight, emphasizing the importance of cohesion in the face of electoral challenges. As the party steps up its planning, the absence of a prominent leader like Tharoor from critical meetings could pose challenges to this unity, making it a point of concern for the high command.
