Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday skipped a meeting convened by the party high command in Delhi to review preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, choosing instead to remain in his constituency Thiruvananthapuram during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
Tharoor’s absence from the key meeting triggered speculation within political circles that he was upset with the party leadership, particularly over perceived lack of recognition during a recent Congress event attended by Rahul Gandhi in Kochi. However, party sources later clarified that Tharoor had taken prior permission from the high command to stay back in Kerala.
According to Congress sources, Tharoor wanted to be present in his constituency as Prime Minister Modi held a road show and a public rally in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The MP reportedly felt it was important to engage with constituents during a high-profile political event led by the Prime Minister.
Earlier in the day, sources had suggested that Tharoor was dissatisfied following a Mahapanchayat event in Kochi, where issues related to seating arrangements and the sequence of speakers reportedly caused discomfort. Tharoor, a senior leader and former Union minister, was allegedly told that only Rahul Gandhi would speak after him, but several other leaders eventually addressed the gathering.
Also read: Tharoor to skip key Cong meet after ‘insult’ at Kochi event
The deviation from the planned speaking order and the absence of a direct reference to Tharoor in Rahul Gandhi’s speech were perceived by some within the party as a breach of protocol. Sources claimed that the episode contributed to Tharoor’s sense of being overlooked, sparking internal discussions on discipline and respect for senior leaders.
The Congress has not issued an official statement addressing the reported disquiet. However, party functionaries later reiterated that Tharoor’s absence from the Delhi meeting had been approved in advance and should not be read as a sign of dissent.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi held a large road show in Thiruvananthapuram and inaugurated several development projects. These included the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, disbursal of loans to beneficiaries, and the flagging off of four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains.
Addressing a rally, Modi targeted both the Congress and the Left over corruption allegations and urged voters to give the NDA an opportunity in the forthcoming Kerala Assembly elections, calling for a “Viksit Keralam”
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