Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday dismissed speculation of a rift between him and the party. He said he did not understand the controversy surrounding his recent remarks.
His comments came ahead of a key Congress meeting on Friday. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi will meet senior Kerala leaders to discuss internal matters.
Tharoor questioned the controversy over his statements. “You all heard the podcast. What was the controversy about? I still haven’t understood it,” he told the media. He added that the discussion was a 45-minute conversation about life and happiness, not a political issue.
He confirmed his attendance at the upcoming party meeting. “A meeting has been called on Friday. I will be there with everyone else,” he said.
Also read: Rift rumours grow as Tharoor’s cryptic post sparks buzz
Talk of a rift began after Tharoor praised Kerala’s Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in an article. He had also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US and his meeting with former President Donald Trump.
His comments drew criticism from Kerala Congress leaders. Reports suggested that Tharoor later met Rahul Gandhi to discuss his role in the state unit.
In a recent podcast, Tharoor hinted at having options beyond the Congress. “If the party wants to use that, I will be there. If not, I have my own things to do,” he said. He added that he had books, speeches, and global invitations to keep him occupied.
Tharoor also shared his views on Congress’s prospects in the next Kerala Assembly elections. He said the party must attract voters who do not traditionally support it. He pointed out a leadership gap in the state unit.
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