Shashi Tharoor may miss Congress strategy meet after Kochi 'snub'; BJP says, 'senior Congress leaders treated like slaves'

Shashi Tharoor with Rahul Gandhi

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is unlikely to attend a key meeting called by the party’s top leadership in Delhi to assess poll preparedness, sources told CNN-News18. The decision, they indicated, stems from his unhappiness with both the central and state leadership.

According to people familiar with the developments, the trigger lies in events at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Maha Panchayath held in Kochi on January 19, where Rahul Gandhi addressed party workers. Tharoor’s associates said he felt “insulted” by the way the programme was organised, particularly the seating arrangement on the dais.

Despite being a member of the Congress Working Committee, Tharoor was reportedly placed at the extreme end of the stage. Sources claimed this positioning did not reflect his seniority within the party and contributed to a feeling of being sidelined.

Those aware of the matter said Tharoor had been told in advance that Gandhi would be the sole speaker delivering an extended address, while others were expected to make brief remarks early in the event. Acting on that understanding, Tharoor spoke at the beginning of the programme.

However, several leaders went on to speak after him, a development that, according to sources, deepened his sense of marginalisation. Another point of discontent, they said, was the absence of any reference to Tharoor during Gandhi’s speech.

While Gandhi reportedly acknowledged multiple party leaders during his address, Tharoor’s name did not figure, something sources described as a further cause of resentment. Taken together, these issues have prompted Tharoor to consider staying away from the upcoming high-command meeting, they added.

'Senior leaders treated like slaves in Congress,' says BJP

Reacting to this development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader KJ Alphons mounted attack on the Congress and told India Today, "I don't think this has anything to do with making statement in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I don't think there is any space for conversation in the party for a very long time."

He further said, "Shashi Tharoor is very intelligent and speaks about the nation and international issues and he is a very rational person and that's something which Congress party cannot digest."

Alphons said he has known Tharoor for a long time and that the Thiruvanthapuram MP has done "excellent" in this capacity and "speaks his mind."

"Congress party has been like this, they are -- even senior leaders -- are treated like slaves," he said.