‘Inappropriate to discuss now...’: Shashi Tharoor declines comment amid party switch speculation

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor addressed media queries regarding reports that he had met with CPI(M)-associated individuals in Dubai but declined to comment. Currently attending a literature festival in Dubai, Tharoor said it would be inappropriate to discuss such matters while abroad.

The reports have sparked speculation about the Thiruvananthapuram MP potentially switching political parties. Sources suggest Tharoor was reportedly displeased over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi not acknowledging him adequately at a recent Kochi event, along with alleged repeated attempts by party leaders in Kerala to sideline him.

LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan denied any discussions with Tharoor but stated that the Left Front and CPI(M) remain open to individuals, groups, or parties aligning with their political stance.

Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress leader and MP from Thiruvananthapuram, was approached by reporters in Dubai regarding claims that he had engaged with CPI(M)-associated persons. Tharoor responded by saying that he had seen the reports during his flight and refrained from commenting while being in a foreign country.

The reports coincided with ongoing speculation about his political alignment, with some sources claiming that he was dissatisfied with internal party dynamics. Allegedly, Tharoor felt overlooked by Congress leadership during a recent event in Kochi and perceived repeated marginalisation by party leaders in Kerala.

Despite these claims, LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan refuted reports of any formal discussions with Tharoor. He added that the Left Front, including CPI(M), remains open to engaging with individuals or groups that share their political views.

The situation highlights continuing attention on Tharoor’s political trajectory, particularly in the context of Kerala’s shifting political landscape and intra-party dynamics within the Congress.
(With PTI inputs)