New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor stayed away from a crucial Congress meeting on Kerala’s poll strategy, triggering fresh speculation about unease within the party ranks, amid reports that he was upset over an alleged “snub” by Rahul Gandhi.


The meeting, attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, focused on organisational preparedness, seat-sharing and electoral strategy for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. While several senior leaders were present, Tharoor’s absence stood out, especially given his stature and influence in the state.


Sources suggest that Shashi Tharoor was displeased after Rahul Gandhi, during recent political engagements, acknowledged several party leaders but did not mention him, a development perceived in some quarters as a sign of political sidelining. Though no official statement has been issued by Tharoor, the episode has added fuel to ongoing discussions about internal dynamics within the Congress.


Literature Festival Over Party Strategy Meet
Party insiders said Tharoor was in Kochi to attend the Kerala Literature Festival, where he had a pre-scheduled engagement, and had informed the party in advance about his inability to attend the meeting. However, the timing of his absence has led to political chatter, with rivals and observers interpreting it as more than a mere scheduling conflict.


Congress Downplays Rift
Reacting to media queries, Congress leaders sought to downplay any suggestion of discord. Party sources maintained that Shashi Tharoor remains an integral part of the Congress and that there is no rift between him and the leadership.


Yet, repeated public differences in the past—particularly over leadership style, internal democracy and political positioning—have kept speculation alive about Tharoor’s comfort within the party’s power structure.


A Signal Ahead of Kerala Polls?
With Kerala elections approaching, the Congress faces the challenge of maintaining unity and projecting coherence. Political analysts note that any perceived distance between Rahul Gandhi and leaders like Shashi Tharoor could have wider implications, especially in a state where individual leadership appeal plays a significant role.


For now, the Congress leadership insists all is well. But Tharoor’s absence, Rahul Gandhi’s silence on the matter, and the timing of events have ensured that the story continues to draw national attention.