Shashi Tharoor Denies Internal Discord, Affirms Congress Unity Ahead of Kerala Polls
Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday firmly dismissed widespread speculation about a rift within the party, asserting that he is in complete alignment with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. This statement follows a crucial closed-door meeting held with the party's top leadership, aimed at addressing recent tensions and presenting a united front.
Reconciliation Meeting and Constructive Dialogue
Tharoor's remarks come after weeks of intense speculation regarding internal unease, which was sparked by his perceived marginalization at a Congress event in Kochi last month and his subsequent absence from a key Kerala strategy meeting chaired by Kharge. These developments had raised significant concerns within the party ranks, with fears that the issue could escalate into a major messaging problem ahead of the high-stakes Kerala Assembly elections.
In response to these tensions, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi convened a detailed "redressal" meeting with Tharoor on Thursday. The meeting, which took place in Kharge's chamber within the Parliament House complex, lasted for over an hour and forty-five minutes, indicating the seriousness with which the leadership approached the matter.
Emerging from the discussions, Tharoor adopted a conciliatory tone. Speaking to reporters, he stated, "We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion. All is good and we are moving together on the same page."
Sources familiar with the proceedings revealed that the dialogue was comprehensive, covering a wide array of issues, with the leadership dedicating substantial time for a thorough and meaningful exchange of views.
Tharoor's Firm Rejection of Speculation
Addressing the rumors head-on, Tharoor emphasized the importance of party unity and collective progress. Referring to his meeting with Gandhi and Kharge, he remarked, "We're on the same page. We're moving forward determinately. I think it's extremely important, both at the state level and at the national level, that Congress must represent not just an opposition party, but an alternative government."
He further elaborated on the party's readiness to govern, adding, "An alternative government is what the people want to see, whether at the centre or the state. We need to stay together, work together and move forward together, and we're doing that."
Tharoor later reinforced this message of unity on social media, publicly thanking Kharge and Gandhi for a "warm and constructive discussion" and reiterating that they were "all on the same page" as the party advances "in the service of the people of India."
Clarifying Ambitions and Commitment to the Party
In a significant clarification, Tharoor categorically denied any personal ambition to become the Congress's chief ministerial face in Kerala. He stated, "That was never the issue. I am not interested in being the candidate for anything. At the moment I am already an MP, that is my job."
He also firmly dismissed reports suggesting he might consider leaving the party. "I can say that I am going to be in the Congress and that I am not going anywhere," he asserted, highlighting his commitment to campaign extensively across all 140 Assembly constituencies in Kerala for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Tharoor noted that he had campaigned in 56 constituencies during the last Assembly elections and expressed hope to cover even more ground this time. "It is very important that we send the right message to voters and have an opportunity to make a significant impact on people's lives," he emphasized.
Healthy Internal Discussions and Electoral Context
Rejecting narratives of discord, Tharoor described the reports as "exaggerated" and maintained that discussions within the party are healthy and productive. "I see it in a positive way that one has an opportunity to discuss all issues very cordially and constructively in the spirit of camaraderie," he said.
This show of unity comes at a critical juncture as the Congress seeks to wrest power from the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala, after a decade in opposition. Party leaders widely acknowledge that internal cohesion will be paramount, especially as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also aims to expand its influence in the state. The upcoming elections are seen as a pivotal test for the Congress's organizational strength and its ability to present a viable alternative to the electorate.
