Shashi Tharoor hints at ‘options’ if Congress sidelines him

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (Courtesy: PTI file photo)

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has stirred political discussions with his pointed remarks about the party’s trajectory in Kerala, emphasizing the need for leadership and a broader voter base. However, the real takeaway from his latest statements is his clear message: he is available for Congress, but if the party does not need his services, he has “options.”

Speaking on Varthamanam, a weekly Malayalam podcast by The Indian Express, Tharoor underscored that his four-time electoral success in Thiruvananthapuram was evidence of public support for his independent views on Kerala’s and India’s development. He highlighted the absence of a strong leader in Kerala’s Congress, warning that if the party did not expand its appeal beyond its committed vote base, it risked sitting in the opposition for a third consecutive term.

Tharoor’s remarks come amid murmurs of a rift within the Congress, exacerbated by his recent praise of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala. The Congress MP has, however, dismissed speculation about him switching parties, stating that while he does not believe in party-hopping, he does not lack alternatives. “I have my books, speeches, and invitations from across the world to give talks,” he remarked, making it clear that he is not entirely dependent on the Congress for a political career.

His statements reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the Congress’s organizational structure and strategy. Tharoor pointed out that the party needed to expand its voter base at both state and national levels. “Congress cannot win only with its committed vote base. We need those who have not backed us in the last two elections,” he said, urging the party to attract new supporters rather than rely on past loyalties.

This is not the first time Tharoor has voiced independent opinions. His past praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his acknowledgment of good governance initiatives, even by Congress’s political rivals, have often led to tensions within his party. Addressing this, he remarked that he does not think like a traditional politician and speaks fearlessly when it comes to development.

His candid remarks about the Congress Working Committee (CWC), of which he is a member, also hint at his dissatisfaction with the party’s decision-making structure. He noted that the current format of the CWC, with over a hundred members, functions more like a conference than a strategic decision-making body.

As Congress gears up for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, Tharoor’s latest statements serve as both a challenge and a wake-up call for the party. Tharoor reportedly expressed his deep dissatisfaction over the way he was removed from the charges of All India Professional Congress, which he had formed during his meeting with Rahul. He also protested over the way he is being sidelined inside the Parliament during major debates as he is denied opportunities.