Shashi Tharoor Addresses Speculations on Congress Relations Amid Party Switch Talks

Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP representing Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, recently refrained from commenting on the status of his relationship with the Congress party. Instead, he highlighted the significance of an “important” cricket match between India and Pakistan happening today.

Earlier on Saturday, he shared a quote from the English poet Thomas Gray: “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.” Many news outlets suggested that this social media post carried a “cryptic” meaning amidst rising speculation about a rift between Tharoor and the Congress.

What has brought Shashi Tharoor into the spotlight?

Shashi Tharoor created a political uproar by commending members of the opposition while disregarding his own party, Congress.

1. Tharoor’s previous meeting with US President Donald Trump.

During this meeting, Tharoor remarked, “…the statements from the Prime Minister and President Trump have been very positive. Many of the pressing concerns we had appear to have been acknowledged.”

He also expressed that “the commitment to sell us the F-35 stealth aircraft is immensely significant, as it represents cutting-edge technology.”

Tharoor’s endorsement of the F-35 differed from the stance of other Congress leaders, who expressed disapproval of Trump’s offer to supply the aircraft to India.

“The F-35, which Elon Musk has labelled as ‘junk’, why is Narendra Modi so determined to purchase it?” questioned a post from a Congress leader’s X account, criticizing the aircraft’s exorbitant costs and operational expenses.

Tharoor added that the only “aspect lacking was the method by which” illegal Indian immigrants were being deported from the US.

2. Tharoor applauded the entrepreneurial growth in Kerala under the LDF government.

In an article featured in The New Indian Express, Tharoor commended the government’s successes in cultivating a robust startup ecosystem and implementing innovative industrial policies.

His article provided the ruling LDF with an opportunity to challenge the UDF’s assertions that Kerala has been lagging behind in development and economic progress, according to The New Indian Express.

The UDF vehemently criticized Tharoor, alleging that he was “overlooking” the accomplishments of the industrial sector during its governance. As Congress questioned the accuracy of Tharoor’s article, the CPI(M) supported him, affirming that he only stated the truth.

Tharoor defends his statements

1. Shashi Tharoor responded to criticism regarding his praise for PM Narendra Modi after his meeting with US President Donald Trump, affirming that his comments were made with India’s interests in view and that “we cannot always address matters solely in terms of party interests.”

“I am not a spokesperson for the party. I am an MP elected by all constituents in Thiruvananthapuram, and I speak from that standpoint as a responsible participant in Indian democracy…,” Tharoor explained.

2. In defending his recent article in an English publication, Shashi Tharoor clarified that not acknowledging the industrial progress achieved during the previous UDF administration was not deliberate.

In a late-night Facebook post written in Malayalam, he stated: “The primary focus of my article was the statistics shared by the current Industry Minister, indicating that the CPI(M)’s overall strategy has not been conducive to industrial investment and has undergone modifications.”

Tharoor acknowledged that some have pointed out that his article neglected to mention the technological advancements made under the previous Oommen Chandy government. “This omission was not intentional,” he asserted.

Tharoor also provided clarification in a lengthy post on X. Here’s an excerpt::

‘Why commend our competitors’

In a podcast with Indian Express Malayalam, Tharoor stated that he has consistently expressed his opinions candidly when it comes to the betterment of the nation and Kerala.

“I don’t think like a conventional politician. I have never harbored narrow political perspectives,” he remarked.

“I have never considered the political ramifications before making a statement that I deeply believe in. This is why I sometimes commend positive initiatives undertaken by governments or parties that are in opposition to Congress,” he reasoned.

Tharoor noted, “… I have not encountered adverse feedback from the public regarding my comments. However, it does exist within the party. They query me about why I speak positively about our opponents. Yes, they are our rivals, but when they achieve good things, we must acknowledge them.”

Is Tharoor planning to leave Congress?

Tharoor dispelled rumors suggesting that he was contemplating a shift to another party. He conveyed to Indian Express Malayalam that if one disagrees with certain elements within a party, switching isn’t the solution.

“I don’t believe it to be the right approach. One can exercise the freedom to remain outside the party and exist as an independent,” Tharoor explained.

However, he quickly added: “What I observe in today’s political landscape is that everyone desires the backing of a party or organization.”

‘Sidelined’ Shashi Tharoor inquires about his role in Congress

Reports have indicated that he previously sought clarity from Rahul Gandhi about his standing within the Congress.

Shashi Tharoor allegedly voiced his frustration about being marginalized within the Congress, expressing dissatisfaction over missed opportunities, including exclusion from major Parliamentary discussions.

To these concerns, Rahul Gandhi reportedly had no response.

Is everything okay between Shashi Tharoor and Congress?

In a podcast with Indian Express Malayalam, Shashi Tharoor provided several recommendations for the Congress ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly election in 2026.

Tharoor also remarked that the rival BJP surpasses Congress in terms of having a robust organizational framework within the party. He added if the Congress did not require his contributions, he had other “options.”

Key statements from Tharoor’s podcast interview:

1. ‘Congress would remain in opposition for a third time if…’

Tharoor stated that if the Congress failed to broaden its appeal, it would find itself in the opposition for a third consecutive term in Kerala.

With the Congress suffering successive Assembly electoral defeats following significant gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Tharoor emphasized the need for the party to reach out beyond its committed voter base, citing his own support as a testament to this necessity, as reported by the Indian Express.

“Both at the national and state levels, the Congress cannot rely solely on its committed voter base to win. This is a reality. If we consider the national context, the Congress received approximately 19% of the vote. Is that sufficient? Only by garnering an additional 26-27% can we attain power. Our need for supporters who have not supported us in the past two elections is therefore critical,” Tharoor articulated.

2. BJP outmatches Congress in…

Tharoor also criticized the Congress for lacking a strong organizational structure to promote its ideology and vision, asserting that the BJP outperforms the Congress in this aspect across various states.

3. ‘If Congress did not need his contributions…’

Shashi Tharoor asserted that after being elected four times as MP from Thiruvananthapuram, if the Congress did not find his contributions valuable, he had “other options,” including public speaking and writing.

“My appeal in Thiruvananthapuram far exceeds what the party enjoys. People appreciate my communication style and behavior. Even those traditionally opposed to Congress voted for me. That is the approach we need to adopt for 2026,” Tharoor remarked during the podcast.

4. ‘Lack of leadership in Kerala’s Congress’

Tharoor raised concerns about the “lack of leadership within Kerala’s Congress,” stating, “It’s not my responsibility, but I have highlighted this issue. Many members feel there is an absence of a leader in Kerala’s Congress.”

5. Tharoor aiming for leadership position?

Tharoor claimed in the interview that independent agency opinion polls indicated he was “ahead of others in leadership prospects in Kerala.”

“If the party wishes to utilize that, I am available to contribute. If not, I have numerous other engagements. You must not assume that I am left with no alternatives. I have my books, speeches, and speaking engagements awaiting me around the globe,” the Congress MP stated.