Shashi Tharoor commits to Congress and UDF campaign ahead of Kerala polls

Shashi Tharoor had indicated that he wanted certain concerns addressed by the party leadership, following what he described as issues related to his treatment at a recent event in Kochi and attempts by some leaders to sideline him.

• Tharoor pledges loyalty to Congress, to lead UDF in Kerala elections
• Tharoor met Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, calling talks constructive and positive
• He dismissed leadership ambitions, focusing on representing Thiruvananthapuram as an MP.

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Putting to rest speculation about his political future, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has underlined that his allegiance remains firmly with the party and that his sole objective is to work for the victory of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the organisation. “I am in the Congress and I am not going anywhere. I will be part of the Kerala campaign and work for the UDF's victory. I will be in the forefront leading the Congress in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections,” he said.

Expressing frustration over repeated questions about his loyalty, the senior leader asked why his commitment is singled out. “What is the need to tell that I will remain in the Congress? Why is such a question being asked only to me? I will remain firmly with the Congress,” he added.

Tharoor also said that his priority remains national issues rather than personal political positioning. “I do not want to talk politics; I want to speak for the nation. I have been saying that since 2009,” he remarked.

The MP had earlier stated that he would actively campaign in Kerala and focus on strengthening the Front as it seeks to regain power in the state after a decade in opposition. His comments come at a time when the Congress is intensifying its preparations for what is seen as a crucial electoral battle.

Constructive meeting with top leadership

Tharoor’s strong assertion of party unity follows his meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Describing the interaction as positive, he said, “We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion. All is good and we are moving together on the same page. What more can I say.”

He later echoed the same message on X, thanking both leaders for the “warm and constructive discussion” and sharing a photograph from the meeting, which took place at Kharge’s office in Parliament.

Tharoor also dismissed suggestions that the talks involved any ambition for a leadership role in Kerala. “No, that was never discussed. I am not interested in being a candidate for anything. At the moment, I am already an MP, and I have the trust of my voters from Thiruvananthapuram. I have to look after their interests in Parliament, that is my job,” he said.

The meeting came after Tharoor had indicated that he wanted certain concerns addressed by the party leadership, following what he described as issues related to his treatment at a recent event in Kochi and attempts by some leaders to sideline him.

Background to rift buzz and Tharoor’s clarifications

Recent reports had pointed to unease within the party after Tharoor skipped a key AICC meeting on Kerala poll preparations. Addressing this earlier, he had said, “Whatever issues there are, I would have to discuss them with the party leadership, and I look forward to the opportunity to do so. I'm not entering into this issue in public at all.”

He also maintained that he had informed the party in advance about his inability to attend the meeting and preferred to raise his concerns internally rather than in the public domain.

While reiterating that the party line is paramount, Tharoor acknowledged that he sometimes expresses personal views. “I do not express any other opinion on matters where the party has a stand. In some situations, I express my personal opinion. When I see good things in development matters, I point them out,” he explained.

At the same time, he praised Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, saying, “He is a leader with a clear political stand. He is a leader who opposes communalism”.

With Kerala’s Assembly elections approaching, Tharoor’s statements aim to convey unity within the Congress ranks and reinforce his role as a senior leader committed to strengthening the party and the UDF’s prospects in the state.