Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday said his views on certain issues should not be misconstrued as pro-BJP, asserting that his positions were rooted in being pro-government or pro-India rather than driven by partisan politics.
Addressing reporters, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said he had always maintained that on select international matters, he preferred to speak in the national interest instead of politicising issues. “This is not new. I have always said that on some international issues, I do not like to politicise matters and instead speak for the country,” he said.
Tharoor’s remarks come against the backdrop of a controversy last year over his comments on India-Pakistan tensions and diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam attack. His statements, which differed from the Congress’ official position, had drawn criticism from several party leaders who questioned his intent.
Acknowledging the expectations from party members, Tharoor said discipline within the party was important. “I have always stood with the party in Parliament, so there is no cause for concern,” he said, adding that he remained firmly with the Congress and had no intention of leaving. “I am in the Congress and I am not going anywhere. I will be part of the Kerala poll campaign and will work for the victory of the UDF,” he said, questioning why his loyalty was repeatedly being doubted.
On Thursday, Tharoor met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi to address his grievances following reports of his sidelining within the Kerala unit. After the meeting, he said “all is good” and that the leadership was “on the same page”.
A visible thaw followed the meeting, with Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, announcing that Tharoor would be a key campaigner for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming Assembly elections. “He will be in the front row of the UDF’s election campaign. We are planning to take him to all 140 Assembly constituencies,” Satheesan said, describing Tharoor as a global figure with a strong connect among voters.
Tharoor also praised Rahul Gandhi, calling him a “sincere leader” and a strong voice against communalism, hatred and divisiveness. “I do not have a different opinion on that. I have never agreed with any wrong comment made against Rahul Gandhi,” he said.
The recent internal tensions had surfaced after Tharoor skipped a key Kerala poll strategy meeting and was reportedly upset over being ignored at a Congress event in Kochi, where Rahul Gandhi acknowledged several leaders on stage but did not mention him. The party, however, denied any rift, citing Tharoor’s prior commitments.
Speaking on the Kerala Congress’s observance day marking Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, Tharoor said reports of internal discord were exaggerated. “Whatever the issues were, they were thoroughly discussed in a very amicable atmosphere. We are moving forward. All is good,” he said, stressing the need to focus on the elections, which are expected within the next three months.
Tharoor said he planned to campaign extensively across the state, recalling that he had covered 56 constituencies during the previous elections and hoped to reach even more this time. “It is very important that we send the right message to voters and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” he said.
He also criticised the Left government’s latest budget, alleging that Kerala’s development model had given way to unsustainable debt. “Far-fetched promises are being made without the money to fulfil them. We need economic growth, investment and a more business-friendly approach to deliver real well-being,” he said, expressing hope that a change of government would bring positive results.
When asked whether discussions with the party leadership included the issue of a chief ministerial face for Kerala, Tharoor dismissed any such speculation. “That was never discussed. I am not interested in being a candidate for anything. I am already an MP and my responsibility is to represent my constituents in Parliament,” he said.
The developments signal a temporary truce between Tharoor and the Congress leadership as the party gears up for the crucial Kerala Assembly elections, aiming to reclaim power after a decade in opposition.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)
