Congress Leader Sandeep Dikshit Dismisses Shashi Tharoor as 'Irrelevant' Amid Kerala Assembly Polls
In a sharp escalation of internal tensions within the Congress party, senior leader Sandeep Dikshit has launched a scathing attack on fellow party member Shashi Tharoor, dismissing the Thiruvananthapuram MP as "not relevant" to the party's affairs. This controversial statement comes after Tharoor reportedly skipped a crucial meeting organized to strategize for the upcoming Kerala state assembly elections.
Dikshit's Direct Criticism of Tharoor's Absence
When questioned by news agency IANS about Tharoor's decision to miss the Kerala poll meeting, Dikshit responded with pointed remarks that have sent shockwaves through political circles. "All the strong and senior leaders from Kerala are attending. Those who are relevant to the Congress are coming," Dikshit asserted. He further minimized Tharoor's importance by stating, "It doesn't make a difference if leaders who are not major figures or relevant to the party are absent."
This public dismissal appears to reflect Tharoor's gradual marginalization within the party structure as Kerala prepares for what many consider a make-or-break electoral battle. Political observers note that Dikshit's comments represent one of the most direct challenges to Tharoor's standing within the Congress hierarchy in recent years.
Background of Tharoor's Growing Discontent
The controversy surrounding Tharoor's relationship with the party leadership has been building for months. Reports indicate the MP was particularly disappointed when Rahul Gandhi did not meet him during a recent visit to Kochi, choosing instead to attend the Kerala Literature Festival. This perceived snub appears to be just one manifestation of deeper frustrations.
Last year, Tharoor posted a cryptic quote by Thomas Gray—"Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise"—which many interpreted as commentary on his situation within the party. In subsequent interviews, he has expressed concerns about the Congress's electoral prospects, warning that without expanding its appeal, the party might remain in opposition for a third consecutive term in Kerala.
Multiple Incidents Highlighting the Rift
The tension between Tharoor and the Congress leadership has manifested through several notable incidents:
- Tharoor skipped a key party huddle just before last year's Winter Session of Parliament
- He has repeatedly questioned his role within the party, essentially asking "What exactly am I doing here?"
- The MP publicly criticized what he described as a leadership vacuum within the Kerala Congress unit
- He met with Rahul Gandhi specifically to seek clarity about his position and responsibilities
Controversial Praise for NDA Government Policies
Adding to the friction, Tharoor has occasionally praised policies of the ruling NDA government at both the central and Kerala state levels. His positive comments about the Modi government's handling of several key issues have particularly strained relations with party colleagues:
- Appreciation for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts
- Support for India's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Endorsement of Operation Sindoor initiatives
- Defense of the government's position when Donald Trump claimed credit for India-Pakistan truce efforts
These deviations from the official party line have caused the Congress leadership to publicly distance themselves from Tharoor's views on multiple occasions.
Tharoor's Alternative Paths Forward
In what many see as a veiled threat, Tharoor has hinted at potential alternatives should his position within the Congress become untenable. Citing his four consecutive electoral victories from Thiruvananthapuram, he has suggested that if the party no longer requires his services, he has "other options" available, including international speaking tours and literary pursuits.
This ongoing internal conflict comes at a critical juncture for the Congress party in Kerala, where it faces significant challenges in the upcoming assembly elections. How this public airing of grievances will affect party unity and electoral prospects remains to be seen, but Dikshit's blunt assessment of Tharoor's relevance suggests deep divisions that may prove difficult to bridge as campaign season intensifies.
