Tharoor's Meeting With Congress Leadership Eases Tensions After Kochi Incident
Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor held a significant two-hour meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. This crucial interaction comes in the wake of recent tensions between Tharoor and the party leadership, particularly following an incident in Kochi last week that had left the Thiruvananthapuram MP feeling slighted.
Background of Strained Relations
Tharoor and the Congress top brass, both at the national level and in Kerala, have frequently found themselves at odds on various issues over the past several months. These disagreements have consistently fueled speculation about Tharoor's future within the grand old party, with many observers suggesting he might be emerging as an extraordinary rebel figure.
The most recent flashpoint occurred when Tharoor skipped a crucial meeting of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) with top party leaders from Kerala in Delhi. This meeting was specifically convened to firm up strategies for the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. While state Congress leaders attempted to downplay his absence, the incident set political tongues wagging across the party and media circles.
The Kochi Incident That Sparked Controversy
Last week's developments in Kochi added another layer to the ongoing saga. During the party's grand mahapanchayat in Kochi, which was inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor apparently felt "deeply insulted" when Gandhi listed several leaders on the dais at the beginning of his speech but conspicuously omitted Tharoor's name. This perceived snub reportedly left the MP miffed and feeling unwanted in a party he once aspired to lead.
Positive Outcome From Thursday's Meeting
Following Thursday's extensive discussions, Tharoor struck a markedly positive tone. "We had a discussion with my two party leaders, with the LOP and Congress president," Tharoor stated. "We had a very good, constructive discussion. All is good, and we are moving forward together on the same page."
When questioned about whether there was any discussion regarding the Chief Minister candidate for Kerala, Tharoor clarified: "No. That was never the issue. Frankly, I am not interested in being a candidate for anything. I am an MP, and I have the trust of voters in Parliament. That is my job."
Tharoor's Strategic Importance for Congress
The Congress party considers Tharoor an important asset as it prepares for the Assembly polls in Kerala. Among the states heading for Assembly elections over the next few months, Kerala represents the only realistic chance of victory for the embattled party. The electoral landscape presents significant challenges elsewhere:
- In Tamil Nadu, the Congress remains a minor player
- In West Bengal, the party functions largely as a fringe force
- Congress leaders admit that the electoral battle in Assam will be an uphill task
This context makes Tharoor's continued engagement and support particularly valuable for the party's prospects in Kerala, where his influence and parliamentary experience could prove decisive in the upcoming electoral contest.
