Have difference of opinion with the Congress leadership, reveals Shashi Tharoor

IANS June 19, 2025 416 views

Shashi Tharoor openly acknowledged having differences with the Congress leadership but emphasized his continued loyalty to the party. He faced criticism from Congress peers for accepting a government delegation role and for his favorable comments about Prime Minister Modi. Tharoor's absence from the Nilambur by-election campaign also drew sharp remarks from fellow Congress member Rajmohan Unnithan. Despite the ongoing tensions, Tharoor reiterated his commitment to the Congress, dismissing any notion of leaving the party.

"I'm not going anywhere... I'm a Congressman." - Shashi Tharoor
Have difference of opinion with the Congress leadership, reveals Shashi Tharoor
Thiruvananthapuram, June 19: Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, who has been at odds with his party on various issues, on Thursday clearly said that he has a difference of opinion with the top leadership but indicated that he will stay put.

Key Points

1

Tharoor admits differences with Congress leaders

2

Reaffirms commitment to Congress

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Criticized for praising PM Modi

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Absent from Nilambur by-election

"I was not here, as you know, and very recently our senior leader Thennala Balakrishna Pillai passed away, and I am going there. So I am not going to answer your pointed questions as I know what all questions you have in your mind," Tharoor, who reached the Kerala capital the other day after leading an all-party delegation to a five-nation outreach programme, including the US and Brazil, as part of the 'Operation Sindoor' diplomatic initiative, told media persons here.

"Yes, I have differences of opinion with the Congress leadership, and that's known to all. Some things are public, and I will meet them (leadership) directly, and if they ask me directly, I will also reply. I'm not going anywhere... I'm a Congressman," he added.

Tharoor has faced pushback from the Congress over his acceptance of the government invitation to head an Operation Sindoor delegation, though the party had not nominated him and his praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including his government's response to cross-border terrorism.

In reply to a question on why he was not present to campaign for the Congress candidate at the crucial Nilambur assembly by-election that is taking place on Thursday, Tharoor tersely said: "I was not invited for it."

Reacting sharply to Tharoor's statement, fellow party Lok Sabha member Rajmohan Unnithan said that "what's happening in Nilambur is not someone's wedding to be invited".

"In the Congress party, what happens is it's the leaders who inform their availability to the campaign committee, which decides which leader should campaign where, and there is no invitation extended to any Congress leader," said Unnithan, who is known for his razor-sharp tongue.

" For a while now, his (Tharoor) mind is with (PM) Modi and the body with the Congress party. All except Tharoor know where he is heading. He has no allegiance towards anyone other than himself, and he always forgets how he reached here after joining the Congress," he added.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Tharoor has always been his own man. While I respect his intellect, this constant praise for Modi while being in Congress shows lack of party discipline. Either commit fully or make an exit - this half-hearted approach helps nobody. 🤔
P
Priya M.
As someone from Kerala, I appreciate Tharoor's diplomatic work. Operation Sindoor was important for India's image abroad. Why can't Congress accept that sometimes national interest comes before party politics? His experience is an asset they're wasting.
A
Amit S.
Unnithan's comments are too harsh! Healthy debate within parties is good for democracy. Tharoor represents a modern, global India that Congress desperately needs to attract young voters. Instead of attacking him, they should listen.
S
Sunita R.
The "not invited" excuse doesn't hold water. True leaders don't wait for invitations - they show up where they're needed most. Congress is struggling in Kerala and this internal drama isn't helping. Both sides need to grow up!
V
Vikram J.
Tharoor sahab is too classy for this petty politics. His work speaks for itself - whether it's diplomacy or constituency development. Maybe it's time for him to consider other options where his talents are better appreciated.
N
Neha P.
As a young voter, I'm tired of this drama. We need leaders who focus on development, not internal squabbles. Whether Tharoor stays or goes, what matters is his work for Thiruvananthapuram. The rest is just noise. 🙄

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Tags:
Shashi Tharoor Congress Party Political Differences Nilambur By-election