In a move that again speaks of the rising tensions within the party, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has chosen to skip the high-level party meet that would discuss the overall plans and ways with regard to the upcoming Kerala assembly elections. The move comes after a perceptible move of a ‘public slight’ during the recently concluded Mahapanchayat meet that was held in Kochi.
According to party sources, Tharoor is deeply upset with both the state and central leadership over a breach of protocol at the Kochi event. He was initially informed that he would be the final speaker before Rahul Gandhi took the stage; however, the schedule was abruptly changed, and several other leaders were allowed to address the crowd after him. The situation worsened when Rahul Gandhi failed to mention Tharoor by name during his address— an omission that many observers felt was a notable cold-shouldering of one of the party’s most prominent faces in Kerala.
Tharoor has, reportedly, told close associates that this wasn't an isolated incident but part of a "broader pattern of disregard" for his contributions. His decision to skip the election preparation meeting is being seen as a clear signal of his frustration. While the Congress high command gathers to plot its path to power in the state, Tharoor has chosen to spend his day at the Kerala Literature Festival instead.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also took a dig at Tharoor. He said that the Thiruvananthapuram MP was "not relevant" to the party after the Kerala leader reportedly skipped a key meeting meant for the upcoming state assembly polls.
Stepping up his attack on Tharoor, who has gradually been moved to the periphery of the party as the coastal state gears up for the crucial state polls, Dikshit said "it doesn’t make a difference" if leaders "who are not major figures" are absent in the meeting.
"Senior leaders from Kerala are attending the event. Those who are relevant to the Congress are coming. It doesn’t make a difference if leaders who are not major figures or relevant to the party are absent," Dikshit told the media when asked about Tharoor skipping the Kerala poll meeting.
The fallout has created considerable commotion among the rank and file of the party, with several persons speculating on the reason behind the lack of coordination being bestowed on the third-time MP. However, it may be noted that the Congress is yet to make an official statement on the same, and the timing of the issue has been acutely felt since the party is trying its level best to put up a united face against the LDF and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Also read: Tharoor meets Kerala teen coding AI in Indian languages
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