Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, has conveyed to the party leadership that if they do not value his contributions, he has other pursuits to engage in, amidst controversy over his praise for Kerala’s Left government and PM Modi. Tharoor, taking issue with the absence of Congress representation on a new Malayalam podcast, emphasized the need for the party to broaden its appeal in Kerala to avoid further electoral setbacks. He defended his remarks as a reflection of the state’s progress, despite backlash from Congress leaders. Tharoor asserted that he returned to serve India, highlighting his commitment beyond party interests.
Shashi Tharoor has conveyed to the Congress high command that if they do not value his contributions, he has other pursuits to focus on. This statement comes amid ongoing debates regarding his accolades for the rival Left government in Kerala.
He also pointed out the notable absence of a Congress representative on The Indian Express’ Malayalam podcast ‘Varthamanam’, which is scheduled for launch on Wednesday, with a teaser already available.
Having been elected four times from his home state, Mr. Tharoor has sparked controversy within his party by commending the CPM’s policies and the state’s development. His previous accolades for Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning his meeting with US President Donald Trump also drew backlash.
Read: Congress In Kerala Criticises Shashi Tharoor For Praising Left Government
In defense of his comments, he emphasized on the podcast that the public has supported his right to voice opinions on the state’s progress.
“If the party wants me, I’ll be there for them. If not, I have my own priorities. Don’t assume I lack options to stay occupied. I have my books, speeches, and invitations from around the globe for talks,” he stated.
The national elections in 2024 showcased a Congress resurgence, but this momentum failed to translate into state-level success. Mr. Tharoor expressed that Congress must broaden its appeal in Kerala or risk remaining in opposition for a third consecutive term.
Read: “Go Watch India vs Pak”: Shashi Tharoor Shrugs Off Congress Rift Question
He asserted that the Congress cannot secure elections relying solely on its loyal support base. “At the national level, our vote share was about 19%. Are we content with just our base? We need an additional 26-27% to reclaim power. We must attract those who have not voted for us in the past two elections,” he emphasized.
Additionally, he mentioned that he received votes from those who typically opposed the Congress due to his manner of expression. “I returned to this country to serve. I was thriving in the US and making substantial money,” he noted.
The Tharoor Row
Mr. Tharoor, a key Congress figure in Kerala, ignited discussions of a rift within the party after he praised the LDF government’s economic management in a newspaper article. While the Left welcomed his comments, they incited criticism from his party.
Read: “Folly To Be Wise…”: Shashi Tharoor’s Cryptic Post Amid Congress Rift Buzz
He clarified last week that his aim was to underscore the state’s achievements in the startup sector, but faced backlash from a regional party publication that criticized his portrayal as a ‘distorted’ political practice. The editorial harshly stated that the LDF had turned Kerala into a “graveyard” and described weakening the party from the inside as “suicidal.”
Moreover, he faced criticism after complimenting PM Modi’s meeting with Trump but defended himself by asserting that his comments were made with India’s interests at heart. He remarked that politicians should not always prioritize party interests in their discourse.