The interaction assumes significance as it follows Tharoor’s decision to skip a recent All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. His absence from the meeting had fuelled media reports suggesting internal discord within the party, particularly between Tharoor and sections of the leadership.
Addressing the issue earlier this month, Tharoor had played down suggestions of a rift, stating that internal matters should be discussed within the party framework rather than in public. On January 24, he said that if there were concerns regarding his participation in meetings or his views, they should be conveyed directly to the leadership. He also indicated that he was awaiting an appropriate opportunity to raise his issues internally.
Sources, however, suggest that tensions may have escalated following an event in Kochi on January 19. According to reports, Rahul Gandhi named several senior leaders present on stage during the programme but did not mention Tharoor, a move that reportedly left him displeased. Individuals close to Tharoor have said he had already been feeling sidelined by certain state-level leaders, and the Kochi episode may have deepened that perception.
Adding to the political buzz, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit made remarks that drew attention, saying that leaders who were “of no use to the Congress” did not matter, while noting that all senior Kerala leaders were attending the organisational meeting. His comments were widely interpreted as a reference to the ongoing discussion around Tharoor’s role within the party.
In recent months, Tharoor’s public statements have also sparked debate within political circles. He has spoken about acknowledging Jawaharlal Nehru’s mistakes, criticised dynastic politics, supported firm action against illegal immigration, and stressed that foreign policy should be seen as a national, not partisan, issue. While Tharoor has maintained that he has not deviated from the Congress line, his remarks have often differed in tone from the party’s dominant narrative.
Thursday’s meeting is being seen as an effort to address concerns and prevent speculation from overshadowing the Congress’s preparations for crucial elections, particularly in Kerala. Party leaders have not issued an official statement on the discussions, but the outcome may clarify Tharoor’s position and signal how the Congress intends to manage internal differences ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.
