Paromita Das
New Delhi: Shashi Tharoor, a seasoned parliamentarian and one of Congress’ most high-profile leaders, has been at the center of political intrigue over the past few days. His recent remarks, coupled with his growing discontent within the Congress party, have fueled speculation about his future course. A social media post that seemed like an innocent call for bipartisanship in economic development has, in reality, added more fuel to the fire of internal party rifts.
Tharoor’s Take on Political Unity: A Storm in a Teacup?
The Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 was supposed to be a moment of economic vision, not political controversy. However, the event became a catalyst for speculation when Tharoor praised the rare sight of BJP Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M), and Congress’ Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan sharing the stage. His statement— “Good to see this. Economic development should, as far as possible, be above the petty divisions of party politics.”—was perceived as a subtle critique of the current political climate, where cooperation between opposing parties is rare.
Good to see this. Economic development should, as far as possible, be above the petty divisions of party politics. pic.twitter.com/zqTLVCKfWu
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 24, 2025
While his statement was appreciated by those who favor cross-party cooperation, it did not sit well with his own party. Congress has been fiercely battling the BJP on one front and the Left parties in Kerala on another. Tharoor’s remarks, therefore, raised concerns that he was stepping out of line and signaling an openness to alternative alliances.
A Leader Feeling Sidelined
Beyond this seemingly harmless social media post, Tharoor’s frustration with his position within the Congress party has been brewing for a while. He recently made a striking remark, stating:
“If I am not needed, they should tell me. I have options.”
This statement alone was enough to send political analysts into a frenzy. Was Tharoor hinting at an exit? If so, where would he go? Congress has often sidelined its more dynamic and outspoken leaders, particularly those who do not fit the traditional mold of the party’s old-guard politics.
Congress’ Leadership: Cautious but Firm
The Congress leadership has been walking a fine line in dealing with Tharoor’s growing impatience. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President K. Sudhakaran denied any rift but warned Tharoor to be mindful of his words. Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal dismissed the controversy as a media creation, choosing to downplay the situation rather than directly confront it.
However, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala took a slightly sharper stance, pointing out that Tharoor has already been given multiple key positions within Congress. He dismissed Tharoor’s complaints as baseless, implying that his desire for greater prominence was simply personal ambition rather than a genuine concern for the party’s direction.
A CM Ambition That Shakes the Party
One of the biggest points of contention between Tharoor and the Congress leadership is his desire to be the party’s Chief Ministerial face in Kerala. The state leadership, however, remains unconvinced about his grassroots appeal. While Tharoor has a strong intellectual and urban following, his influence among rural and cadre-based voters remains limited.
Congress insiders argue that Tharoor’s victories in Thiruvananthapuram were largely the result of anti-BJP consolidation rather than a strong personal base. In Kerala’s complex caste and community-driven politics, his appeal may not be as widespread as he claims. The powerful Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Nair Service Society (NSS), both key allies of Congress in Kerala, have yet to throw their weight behind him as a CM candidate.
Is BJP or CPI(M) a Realistic Option for Tharoor?
The question that looms large: If Tharoor does leave Congress, where would he go?
- Joining CPI(M)? While he has not ruled out a Left option, CPI(M) is unlikely to accept an outsider as their Chief Ministerial candidate. The party has a strong hierarchical structure, and its long-time leaders may resist any attempt to parachute in a new face.
- Switching to BJP? This is an even more radical possibility, given the ideological differences. However, Tharoor has occasionally praised Narendra Modi’s diplomacy, and his recent endorsement of a BJP minister’s presence at an economic summit hints that he does not see the party as entirely untouchable. That said, a Congress leader of Tharoor’s stature joining the BJP would be a seismic shift, both politically and personally.
A Man of Many Options, But Which One Will He Choose?
Tharoor’s future remains uncertain. His statements suggest he is testing the waters, trying to gauge how much leverage he holds within Congress before making any drastic moves. While he may be frustrated, quitting a party he has been a part of for over a decade is no small decision.
For now, Congress will have to decide whether to accommodate Tharoor’s ambitions or risk pushing him into the arms of another party. Either way, his actions in the coming months will have significant repercussions, not just for his career but for Kerala’s political landscape as a whole.
Will he stay and fight within Congress? Will he take the unthinkable leap to another party? Or is this all just a masterstroke to pressure Congress into giving him a more prominent role? Only time will tell.
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