Shashi Tharoor–Rahul Gandhi meeting: Congress MP says ‘nothing unusual’, plays down rift buzz

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, brushing aside speculation of a rift within the party and describing the interaction as routine and constructive.

Following the meeting, Tharoor took to X to share a photograph with the two senior leaders, saying, “Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India.”

The meeting effectively put to rest days of intense political buzz over alleged tension between Tharoor and the party leadership. The speculation had gathered momentum after reports claimed that the Thiruvananthapuram MP was upset over being “snubbed” by Rahul Gandhi at a party event in Kochi earlier this month.

Also read | Shashi Tharoor and the Cassandra Curse in Indian Politics

Earlier in the day, Tharoor had played down the chatter while speaking to reporters in New Delhi, calling the meeting entirely routine. “When it happens, it will happen. I’ll let you know. What’s so unusual about meeting my own party leader? Come on,” he said as he headed towards Parliament.

Fuel was added to the speculation after Tharoor skipped two key Congress meetings. He was absent from a crucial brainstorming session on the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections convened by Kharge in Delhi, as he was attending a literature festival in Kozhikode with prior permission.

PTI had reported that party insiders linked the unease to the Kochi event on January 19, where Rahul Gandhi reportedly acknowledged several senior leaders by name but did not mention Tharoor, despite his presence on the dais.

Tharoor also missed the Congress parliamentary strategy group meeting ahead of the Budget Session, held at Sonia Gandhi’s residence. Party sources said he had informed the leadership in advance as he was returning from Dubai after attending another literary festival.

Amid the speculation, Tharoor reiterated at a public event that he remains “unapologetic” about his views on national security, including instances where he has supported the BJP-led Centre on actions against Pakistan.

Thursday’s meeting, however, appears to signal an effort by the Congress leadership to project unity and shut down talk of internal discord as the party prepares for crucial political battles ahead.