New Delhi : Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will not participate in an upcoming meeting called by the Congress high command to discuss the party’s preparations for the Kerala Assembly elections. Tharoor’s absence from the key discussion meeting signals internal friction within the party ahead of the high-stakes state polls. Tharoor has reportedly conveyed his disappointment to close associates, expressing that the incident reflects a broader pattern of disregard for his contributions within the party.
Tharoor was reportedly told that only Rahul Gandhi would speak after him, but later other leaders spoke as well. The confusion over the arrangements was seen as a public slight, particularly given Tharoor’s seniority in the Congress. Despite the initial instruction, several other party leaders addressed the event after Rahul Gandhi’s arrival. This deviation from the established plan reportedly added to Tharoor’s dissatisfaction, especially considering the perceived breach of protocol regarding the order of speakers.
Rahul Gandhi did not mention Tharoor by name. Observers noted that this omission was notable given Tharoor’s prominence within the party and the state. The lack of acknowledgement contributed to the overall sense of dissatisfaction expressed by Tharoor, the sources said. While Tharoor will not be attending the Congress high command meeting, he is scheduled to participate in the Kerala Literature Festival today.
Tharoor’s decision to not attend the meeting came in the wake of allegations that he was ill-treated by the state leadership and Rahul Gandhi at the recently organised ‘Mahapanchayat’ in Ernakulam. Though Congress leaders from the state unit and the high command attempted to reach out to him, Tharoor reportedly did not respond and said he will instead attend the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode on Saturday.
Leaders associated with Tharoor opine that the recent developments were unnecessary as Tharoor had conveyed to the leadership that he had no desire to contest assembly elections and was working closely with the party. The ball is now with the high command, said a senior leader. Tharoor has a strong vote base among youths, tech professionals and the middle class in Thiruvananthapuram, which BJP is also eyeing.
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