Shashi Tharoor, a prominent figure in Indian politics, author, and former diplomat, has been a Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, since 2009. Known for his eloquence, intellect, and global perspective, Tharoor has often been seen as a unique voice within the Indian National Congress. However, recent events suggest that his relationship with the party may be reaching a critical juncture, raising questions about his future in the Congress.
Several factors contribute to this perception. Tharoor's willingness to appreciate competence even in political opponents has often put him at odds with the party line. In the past, he has faced criticism for praising certain policies of Kerala's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and commenting positively on PM Modi's US visit. More recently, his "unquestioning support" for the Modi government on Operation Sindoor, the military action against Pakistan, has further strained his relationship with the Congress leadership.
His independent streak and willingness to express personal opinions, even when they diverge from the party's official stance, have led to accusations of "straying from the party line." Following criticisms at a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting regarding his statements on Operation Sindoor, Tharoor clarified that his remarks were personal and did not represent the party's official stance. He emphasized his right to express his views as a "proud Indian citizen," asserting that his intent was to represent India's voice on global platforms.
Adding to the speculation is Tharoor's acceptance of a government nomination to lead a global outreach team to articulate India's anti-terror stance. This decision, made without the explicit endorsement of the Congress leadership, has been interpreted by some as a direct challenge to the party's authority. While Tharoor has defended his actions as being in the national interest, the Congress party has criticized the government's nomination process as "dishonest" and questioned Tharoor's decision to accept the nomination.
Furthermore, Tharoor's ambition to play a larger role in Kerala politics has also created friction within the party. His open expression of interest in leading the Congress in Kerala ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls has reportedly ruffled feathers, with some viewing it as a challenge to the existing power structure within the state Congress. The Kerala Congress has distanced itself from the controversy surrounding Tharoor, stating that it is for the party high command to comment on the matter.
Despite these challenges, Tharoor remains a popular figure, particularly among the youth and middle class, due to his suave demeanor, literary pursuits, and oratory skills. He has consistently won elections from Thiruvananthapuram, even against strong opponents. Some political analysts argue that Congress needs Tharoor more than he needs the party, given his ability to connect with key electoral demographics.
Looking ahead, Tharoor's future within the Congress remains uncertain. While he has denied considering joining any other party, his actions suggest that he may be seeking to redefine his role within the Congress or explore alternative political paths. Some experts speculate that he could launch his own political outfit or even consider joining the BJP, although he has stated ideological differences with the latter.
Ultimately, whether Tharoor's association with Congress has reached a dead end will depend on several factors, including his willingness to align with the party's official stance, the Congress leadership's willingness to accommodate his independent streak, and his own political ambitions in Kerala and at the national level. For now, the situation remains fluid, with Tharoor continuing to be a prominent, albeit sometimes controversial, voice in Indian politics.
