Congress-Shashi Tharoor Rift Widens as Party MP Questions His Significance
The simmering tension within the Congress party involving senior leader Shashi Tharoor has intensified dramatically following a pointed remark from another party parliamentarian. Congress MP Imran Masood openly stated that Tharoor is "not a big part" of the party, casting a spotlight on the deepening internal discord.
Missed Meeting Sparks Controversy
The controversy erupted after Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, chose to skip a crucial poll-related party meeting in Kerala on Friday. This gathering involved consultations with the state leadership and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) high command as the state assembly elections draw nearer. Instead of attending the political strategy session, Tharoor opted to participate in the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode.
His absence did not go unnoticed, drawing sharp reactions from within party ranks. Leaders including Sandeep Dixit have openly questioned the relevance and commitment of the Thiruvananthapuram MP to the Congress party's electoral preparations in Kerala.
Public Remarks Fuel the Fire
On Saturday, Congress MP Imran Masood amplified the criticism when speaking to reporters. "Shashi Tharoor is not a big part. Nahi dikhe toh nahi dikhe, aisa kuch hai nahi (It's not like it matters if he wasn't seen; there's nothing to it)," Masood remarked, downplaying Tharoor's significance within the party framework.
Earlier in the day, Tharoor himself addressed the media reports about the growing rift. While acknowledging that some media claims might contain elements of truth, he emphasized his preference for internal party communication. "It is better to convey concerns directly to the party leadership. Several things have appeared in the media, some of which may be true while others may not be, and that such matters should not be discussed on public platforms," Tharoor stated.
Tharoor's Defense and Clarifications
The senior Congress leader provided his rationale for missing the key meeting. He clarified that he had informed the party in advance about his inability to attend the political program. "I had informed the party in advance that I would not be attending the programme and whatever I have to say will be said within the party," he explained.
Regarding his attendance at the literature festival, Tharoor mentioned a postponed book launch at the Jaipur Literature Festival due to political commitments. "This is the reason I chose to attend the event in Kozhikode," he added, while also stating he had "nothing to say about the Ernakulam controversy."
Standing Firm on Principles
Tharoor also defended his political stances, particularly referencing Operation Sindoor where his position had publicly diverged from the official Congress party line. "I have at no stage violated any of the Congress' positions in Parliament; the only issue on which there has been public disagreement on principle is about Operation Sindoor where I did take a very strong stand, and I remain unapologetic about that," he asserted during his appearance at the Kerala Literature Festival.
This public admission of principled disagreement, coupled with his absence from a critical electoral meeting, has created a perfect storm of internal party tension. The episode raises questions about party discipline, internal communication channels, and the balancing of individual principles with collective party strategy as election season approaches in Kerala.
