Congress’s official list of star campaigners for the Nilambur by-election, submitted to the Election Commission, featured Tharoor’s name at the eighth slot among 40 leaders.
Published Jun 19, 2025 | 6:04 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 19, 2025 | 6:04 PM
Shashi Tharoor (X)
Synopsis: Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor said he was not invited to campaign in the Nilambur bypoll. The Congress retorted, saying it was not a wedding to be invited.
Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced his displeasure over being left out of the Nilambur by-election campaign.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor confirmed that no one from the party had invited him to participate in the campaign. “I was out of Kerala, but even after returning, I received no message. Had I been asked, I would have definitely gone,” he said.
Tharoor maintained that he harbours no personal grievances and wishes for the Congress’s victory in Nilambur.
“Congress workers have worked sincerely, and UDF has a good candidate. My only wish is that the party wins,” he added.
Dismissing persistent rumours about his possible defection to the BJP, Tharoor reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress, stating he only speaks to the Prime Minister on official matters.
Interestingly, the Congress’s official list of star campaigners for the Nilambur by-election, submitted to the Election Commission, featured Tharoor’s name at the eighth slot among 40 leaders.
The list included prominent names like KC Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi, and K Sudhakaran.
Reacting to the controversy, Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan remarked that it was not a wedding that someone would have to be invited to attend.
He further accused Tharoor of mentally aligning with the BJP while physically remaining in the Congress.
Tharoor reiterated that no one reached out to him, even by a missed call.
“I don’t go anywhere uninvited. It seems they didn’t feel my presence was necessary,” he said, while expressing hope for an easy UDF win in Nilambur.
Tharoor has been criticised by a section of the Congress over his comments that were viewed as pro-NDA.
Nilambur went to polls on Thursday, 19 June, and recorded a voter turnout of 70.76 percent till 5 pm.
