Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has broken his silence on the growing speculation about his unease within the party, confirming that he has certain "issues" to discuss with the top brass. His statement comes amid persistent reports of friction with the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and alleged attempts by the Congress's Kerala unit to sideline the three-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram.
Speaking to PTI on Saturday, Tharoor struck a note of institutional loyalty mixed with pointed concern. "All I can say is that there are issues which I need to take up with my own party leadership and not in a public forum," he stated. Emphasising a behind-closed-doors approach, he added, "I will be going to Delhi for Parliament and I will get an opportunity, I believe, to make my concerns very clear to the party leadership and get their viewpoint, have a proper conversation."
The veteran leader, who has been with the Congress for 17 years, suggested a need for internal rectification. "Whatever has gone wrong, it needs to be addressed and it will be addressed in an appropriate forum," he said, firmly believing such matters should be resolved within the organisation and not through the media.
Clarification on Skipped Meeting
Tharoor also addressed his conspicuous absence from a recent party meeting in Kerala to discuss strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He clarified that he had informed the leadership in advance about his prior commitment to attend the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) in Kozhikode, citing the difficulty of continuous travel. "However, I will certainly attend all party activities in Parliament, and at that time I can meet the party leadership," he assured.
"Unapologetic" on Foreign Policy Stance
Even as he navigates internal dynamics, Tharoor displayed characteristic firmness on matters of policy. At the KLF, he was questioned about his past stance on 'Operation Sindoor', India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He declared himself "unapologetic" for the position he took at the time, recalling that he had written a newspaper piece demanding strong action following the attack. This reaffirmation of his independent foreign policy perspectives underscores the unique profile Tharoor maintains within the party structure.
A Delicate Balance
Tharoor's comments highlight the delicate balance he is attempting to strike: expressing discontent and seeking redressal while meticulously avoiding a public rebellion. His approach is one of internal dialogue, aiming to channel his grievances through formal party channels. This comes at a time when the Congress, particularly in Kerala, is grappling with factionalism and preparing for a crucial electoral battle.
The political landscape will now watch closely to see if this promised private conversation with the Congress high command leads to a reconciliation of differences or if the "issues" Tharoor alludes to run deeper, potentially influencing his future role in the party and the party's cohesion in a key southern state.
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