Shashi Tharoor, a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress and a Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, has recently acknowledged having differences of opinion with some members of the party leadership. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Tharoor addressed speculations about his future plans and sought to clarify his position within the party.
While admitting to disagreements, Tharoor refrained from discussing the specifics publicly, citing the ongoing bypoll in the Nilambur constituency. He emphasized that Congress, its values, and its workers remain very dear to him, highlighting his 16 years of close association with party workers whom he considers "close friends and brothers." He stated that he would address these differences internally at an appropriate time. "There are some differences with the leadership on some issues. Those can be sorted out in closed door conversations when it is appropriate. So far no one has reached out to me. When the need arises we will be able to talk to each other," Tharoor said.
Adding to the complexity, Tharoor revealed that he was not invited to campaign for the Nilambur bypoll, unlike previous elections, including the one in Wayanad in 2024. “I wasn't invited by the party. But that's alright,” Tharoor told reporters. Despite this, he expressed his best wishes for the UDF candidate, Aryadan Shoukath, hoping that the party workers' efforts would bear fruit. Some Congress sources countered Tharoor's statement by claiming that he was included in the list of star campaigners submitted by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to the Election Commission.
Tharoor's recent participation in "Operation Sindoor," a government-led diplomatic outreach program to communicate India's stance on terrorism to key partner countries, has also stirred controversy within the Congress. As part of the delegation, Tharoor engaged with international communities, presenting India's perspective on cross-border terrorism and the nation's subsequent retaliation. His praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the situation and his remarks on India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack have reportedly not gone down well with some party leaders. Some within the party have accused him of being an "unofficial spokesperson" for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Defending his decision to accept the Centre's invitation, Tharoor stated that his focus as Chairman of the External Affairs Committee of the Parliament is on India’s foreign policy and national interest, not the foreign policy of any particular party. He emphasized his commitment to national service, saying, "When an issue concerning the nation comes up, we are all obligated to work and speak for the country... So, I proudly did my duty as an Indian citizen." He clarified that his meeting with Prime Minister Modi was strictly related to the MPs' delegation and that no domestic politics were discussed. "When the nation needs my service, I am always ready," Tharoor asserted.
Despite the undercurrent of disagreement, Tharoor has affirmed his allegiance to the Congress party and its values. "Values of the institution of the Congress party are the institutional values that have kept me in the party," he stated. He also expressed confidence in his strong relationship with party workers, particularly in Kerala, where he has won four consecutive elections from Thiruvananthapuram.
The outcome of the Nilambur byelection is expected to significantly influence the relationship between Tharoor and the Congress.
