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Satheesan Meets Tharoor, Congress Seals Unity Ahead of Kerala Polls

Senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan made a surprise visit to MP Shashi Tharoor, focusing on preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. The meeting is part of a concerted effort by the Congress high command to end internal discord and project a united front. Tharoor has committed to an active campaign role, including helping draft the manifesto and engaging with youth and professionals. This rapprochement, facilitated by leaders like K.C. Venugopal, effectively ends recent speculation about Tharoor's political future within the party.

Key Points: Congress Unity Push: Satheesan Meets Tharoor for Kerala Polls

  • Surprise meeting signals end to internal dissonance
  • Tharoor to play active role in campaign and manifesto
  • Outreach led by Congress high command
  • Aim to expand UDF appeal with youth and professionals
2 min read

Satheesan meets Tharoor as Congress pushes unity ahead of Kerala polls

Kerala Congress leaders V.D. Satheesan and Shashi Tharoor meet to project unity and plan strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections.

"only one party in his life - Shashi Tharoor"

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31

Kerala Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan paid a surprise visit to party MP Shashi Tharoor here on Saturday, signalling a thaw after weeks of unease and speculation over Tharoor's political future.

The meeting at Tharoor's residence focused on preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections and is being seen as part of a concerted effort by the Congress high command to end internal dissonance and project unity ahead of a crucial electoral battle.

Tharoor has conveyed his willingness to play an active role in the campaign across Kerala. He is expected to be involved in drafting the election manifesto and vision document, besides leading structured interactions with youth and professionals -- an initiative the UDF believes could help expand its appeal beyond traditional vote banks.

The rapprochement was spearheaded by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, with veteran leader A.K. Antony playing a key calming role. At the recent Wayanad conclave, Venugopal had personally assured Tharoor of his political relevance in Kerala, a message reinforced through repeated outreach from the state leadership, including Satheesan.

Just three days ago, Tharoor met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, after which he said they are on the same page.

Speaking to the media, Tharoor reiterated that there was "only one party" in his life and said his sole objective was the victory of the Congress and the UDF. He also dismissed suggestions that his participation in party programmes was under pressure.

With Tharoor firmly staying on, the UDF camp appears upbeat. The party leadership believes his influence among young voters and the politically unaligned could prove decisive.

Saturday morning's low-key visit has effectively drawn the curtain on one of the Congress's most awkward internal episodes in recent months, which had peaked amid speculation that Tharoor might align with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good move by Satheesan. This public show of unity was much needed after all the gossip in the media. But let's be honest, this feels like a temporary patch-up before the elections. The real test will be after the results.
S
Sarah B
As someone following Kerala politics, Tharoor brings a different dimension to Congress. His focus on youth and professionals is exactly what UDF needs to counter the LDF's narrative. Antony and Venugopal did well to mediate.
K
Karthik V
All this drama just before elections... typical of our political parties. The "surprise visit" was clearly staged for the media. I'll believe in this unity when I see them working together on the ground, not just in photo ops.
M
Meera T
Tharoor saying "only one party" in his life is a strong statement. It shuts down all the rumors about him joining CPI(M). His intellectual heft will be crucial for drafting a solid vision document. UDF's chances just got better!
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while unity is good, Congress needs more than just patching up differences. They need a concrete plan for Kerala's development. Hope Tharoor's involvement in the manifesto means fresh, practical ideas and not just lofty promises.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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