Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will attend the party’s Kerala election review meeting virtually, dismissing reports that he planned to skip it due to tensions with Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: Amid reports of friction with Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was expected to skip a crucial meeting of senior party leaders reviewing preparations for the Kerala elections scheduled this year.
According to NDTV sources, Tharoor later clarified that he will attend virtually due to a prior engagement at a literature festival in Kozhikode. There was never any plan to boycott the meeting.
Also Read
Kerala election review meeting
The Delhi gathering brought together top leaders from the Congress’ state unit alongside Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. As a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor was expected to participate despite occasionally tense relations with the party leadership.
Tharoor’s remarks and tensions with Congress
Tharoor has faced scrutiny for comments that appeared to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of national issues, including the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the retaliatory Operation Sindoor. These statements triggered criticism from Congress leaders and speculation about a possible switch to the BJP—a claim Tharoor has consistently denied. In June 2025, he emphasised his 16-year loyalty to the party, stating that his remarks reflected national unity rather than political alignment.
Social media interactions intensify scrutiny
On Thursday, Tharoor posted a selfie with ex-BJP MP and India men’s cricket coach Gautam Gambhir, praising Gambhir’s ability to manage “the second-hardest job in India, after the Prime Minister.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla responded, linking Tharoor’s cricket comment to opposition criticism of PM Modi, predicting further backlash from Congress.
Despite media speculation and internal friction, Tharoor continues to participate in party activities. His virtual attendance at the Kerala election review meeting reflects both his ongoing relevance and the practical challenges of balancing public appearances, personal engagements, and party duties.
Shashi Tharoor’s situation highlights the complex dynamics senior leaders navigate within the Congress, balancing personal expression, public perception, and loyalty. While tensions remain, his participation—albeit virtual—demonstrates continued engagement in party strategy and electoral preparations.
Published: 23 Jan 2026, 03:40 pm IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.