KPCC president K Sudhakaran, who had previously backed Tharoor in past disputes, has now distanced himself, criticising Tharoor’s approach and asserting that addressing such concerns through the media is inappropriate.
Published Feb 23, 2025 | 8:01 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 23, 2025 | 8:01 PM
Shashi Tharoor. (X)
Synopsis: Shashi Tharoor’s recent remarks on the Kerala Congress leadership have ignited fresh tensions within the party, prompting criticism from state leaders. While Tharoor has reiterated his commitment to the Congress, he hinted at having alternative career options, fuelling speculation about his political future.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s troubles within his party only seem to be increasing.
After facing criticism from his Kerala Congress colleagues for praising the state’s industrial performance – perceived as indirect endorsement of the ruling CPI(M) government – and subsequent discussions with the high command in Delhi, a fresh remark from the Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress Working Committee member has triggered new tensions, this time appearing more serious.
Speaking on an upcoming Indian Express Kerala podcast, Tharoor stated, “It’s not my responsibility, but I have pointed this out. Several workers feel there is an absence of a leader in Kerala’s Congress.”
KPCC president K Sudhakaran, who had previously backed Tharoor in past disputes, has now distanced himself, criticising Tharoor’s approach and asserting that addressing such concerns through the media is inappropriate.
Meanwhile, Tharoor appeared to hint at a possible exit from Congress, suggesting that if the party no longer required his services, he had “options”.
In the teaser for the podcast, Tharoor took a subtle dig at what he described as a lack of strong leadership within the Kerala unit of the Congress party. Emphasising the need to expand the party’s voter base, he noted the absence of a clear leader guiding Congress in the state.
While reaffirming his commitment to Congress, Tharoor also pointed out that his career was not solely dependent on politics. “You should not assume that I have no other options. I have my books, speeches, and invitations from across the world to deliver talks,” he said.
Though speculation arose about a possible move to another party, Tharoor dismissed such rumours, stating that disagreements with certain party decisions did not justify an exit.
He reflected on how senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, and Ramesh Chennithala, had urged him to leave his established career in the United States after his tenure at the United Nations and enter Indian politics.
Reiterating the urgency for Congress to broaden its support base, Tharoor cited his own diverse electorate in Thiruvananthapuram as an example. He warned that if the party failed to attract new voters, it risked remaining in opposition for a third consecutive term in Kerala.
According to Tharoor, independent opinion polls have indicated his rising prominence in Kerala’s political landscape.
Shashi Tharoor emphasised the need for a strong organisational framework within the Congress to effectively promote its ideology, acknowledging that the BJP has outperformed the party in this regard across several states.
Addressing questions about the achievements of the LDF government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, Tharoor stated that he never hesitates to express his views when they align with the broader interests of Kerala and India.
He reiterated that his approach is not driven by conventional political calculations and that his perspective remains open rather than constrained by party lines.
“I don’t think like a typical politician, which is perhaps why I acknowledge positive initiatives – even when they come from our political adversaries,” he remarked.
“The public has never reacted negatively to my statements. However, within the party, some question why I appreciate the work of our rivals. My response is simple – if they do something commendable, it deserves recognition.”
When asked whether he felt marginalised within Congress after contesting the party’s presidential election against Mallikarjun Kharge, Tharoor dismissed any such notion.
He pointed out that the leadership had shown magnanimity by appointing him to the Congress Working Committee following the elections.
Tharoor’s comments in the IE podcast raised concerns about a leadership crisis in the Kerala Congress, especially since it follows the earlier controversy over Tharoor’s praise of the Kerala’s industrial performance.
However, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala clarified that the remarks were made before Tharoor’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi, countering media reports suggesting dissatisfaction with their discussion.
He emphasised Tharoor’s significant role in the party, recalling how he had invited him to join Congress after his UN tenure.
He noted that despite not being a party member at the time, Tharoor was welcomed at the KPCC plenary session in Ernakulam and seated alongside Sonia Gandhi, marking his formal entry into the party.
He also highlighted Tharoor’s four-time MP tenure, ministerial role, and decade-long presence in the Congress Working Committee.
While Chennithala refrained from commenting on the controversy, K Muraleedharan, MP from Vatakara, also weighed in, asserting that Kerala Congress has no leadership shortage. He stressed the importance of retaining Tharoor, acknowledging his political acumen and contributions.
Muraleedharan maintained that Congress, as a democratic entity, allows free expression within limits and that Tharoor has remained within those bounds. He affirmed that Tharoor has not discussed a chief ministerial candidacy and should continue serving the party.
AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal also emphasised that Congress allows freedom of expression, unlike the CPI(M), which, he hinted, punishes dissent – a veiled reference to the 2012 TP Chandrasekharan murder. He added that if opinions are constructive, the party will consider them.
Unlike previous controversies, opposition leader VD Satheesan has remained silent, refraining from any response to the ongoing row. Party sources suggest that Tharoor is actively seeking a higher position within the party, believing he deserves it.
In this context, Satheesan’s silence is seen as a strategic and prudent move.
Meanwhile, KPCC president K Sudhakaran criticised Shashi Tharoor’s approach, stating that addressing such concerns through the media was inappropriate. However, he reiterated his support for Tharoor and dismissed speculation about him leaving Congress or joining the CPI(M).
“Tharoor is of a higher stature than me. I am not the right person to respond to his statements. The KPCC does not need to address this issue. Let Tharoor correct himself. One should not exceed party discipline,” Sudhakaran remarked.
He acknowledged the criticism that Kerala lacks strong leadership, noting that such evaluations could help strengthen the party. “If there is an opinion that the KPCC president is not good enough, I will strive to improve,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has urged the Congress central leadership to intervene immediately, reflecting growing concerns within the UDF over internal discord.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
