Shashi Tharoor Skips Congress Strategy Meet, Triggers Speculation Amid Kerala Political Developments

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s absence from a key meeting convened by the party’s high command in Delhi to review preparations for the Kerala Assembly elections triggered widespread speculation on Friday, with reports suggesting internal disquiet within the party.

However, Congress sources later clarified that Tharoor had sought and received permission from the leadership to skip the meeting.

According to party sources, Tharoor chose to remain in Thiruvananthapuram, his parliamentary constituency, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow and public rally the same day. The decision, sources said, was taken to ensure his presence on the ground during the high-profile political event.

Earlier reports had suggested that Tharoor stayed away from the Delhi meeting due to dissatisfaction over what he perceived as a lack of respect during a recent Congress Mahapanchayat in Kochi, an event attended by senior party leaders including Rahul Gandhi. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Tharoor felt sidelined and was upset with both the state and central leadership of the Congress.

At the Kochi event, confusion reportedly arose over seating arrangements and the speaking order. Tharoor was initially informed that only Rahul Gandhi would speak after him, but several other leaders addressed the gathering later, deviating from the stated plan. The episode was viewed by some within the party as a public slight, particularly given Tharoor’s seniority and stature. Observers also noted that Rahul Gandhi did not mention Tharoor by name during his address, further fuelling perceptions of unease.

The developments have sparked discussions among Congress cadres about internal coordination, discipline, and respect for senior leaders. The party, however, has not issued any official statement regarding Tharoor’s reported discomfort or the speculation surrounding his absence. Congress sources subsequently maintained that his decision was purely logistical and approved by the leadership.

PM Modi Targets Congress and Left in Kerala

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi held a large roadshow and rally in Thiruvananthapuram, where he launched and inaugurated several development initiatives. These included the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, the disbursal of loans to one lakh beneficiaries, and the flagging off of four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger service.

Addressing the rally, the Prime Minister criticised both the Congress and the Left over alleged corruption and urged voters to give the NDA an opportunity in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Concluding his speech with a rare switch to English, Modi said, “Now is the time of Viksit Keralam. Now is the time for the NDA government.”

As political activity intensifies in Kerala, both the Congress’s internal dynamics and the BJP-led NDA’s push in the state are expected to shape the narrative in the run-up to the elections.