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Key Points

Shashi Tharoor openly acknowledges tensions with Congress leadership while reaffirming loyalty to the party. The Thiruvananthapuram MP reveals he wasn’t invited to campaign for the Nilambur byelection but refrains from naming specific leaders. He avoids further discussion citing ongoing polling while expressing support for Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath. The bypoll follows PV Anvar’s exit from LDF to join TMC.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor Reveals Congress Leadership Disputes Over Nilambur Bypoll

  • Tharoor confirms rift with Congress leadership
  • Claims no invite for Nilambur campaign
  • Avoids naming high command or state leaders
  • Backs Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath
2 min read

I have disagreements with Congress leadership: Shashi Tharoor says party did not invite him for Nilambur byelection campaign

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor admits disagreements with party leadership after not being invited for Nilambur byelection campaign.

"As you know, I have disagreements with the current Congress leadership. Some of them are in the public domain. - Shashi Tharoor"

Thiruvananthapuram, June 19

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said that he had a difference of opinion with his party's leadership but added that the Congress party, its values, and its workers are dear to him.

"As you know, I have disagreements with the current Congress leadership. Some of them are in the public domain, so you know them. It is better to sort it out within the party by talking to them directly," Tharoor said, adding that he did not campaign for the Congress candidate for the Nilambur byelection because he did not get the invitation from the party for the same.

"Congress party, its values, and its workers are dear to me. I have been working with them for the past 16 years, and I have seen their commitment, dedication and idealism," he added.

Asked whether his difference of opinion is with the Congress' high command or with the state leadership of the party, he evaded the question, saying that he did not want to talk about it now as the voting in the Assembly byelection is ongoing.

"... Today is not the time to talk about those issues (His disagreements with the leadership) as the polling is ongoing, where I wish to see my friend (Congress candidate) Aryadan Shoukath) win it. Some of my disagreements with party leadership are reported in the media, so it cannot be hidden," he said.

"Our Congress workers worked hard and honestly there in Nilanmbur. We have an excellent candidate. I wish to see the result of their work," he added.

The bypoll has been necessitated after the resignation of Left Democratic Front independent legislator PV Anvar, who later joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) after his acrimonious break-up with the ruling alliance.

Aryadan Shoukhath expressed confidence in a UDF victory for the constituency, saying that the state government has "totally neglected Nilambur area," with tribals not being rehabilitated and increasing human-animal conflict.

"There will be a good victory in this election. For the last nine years, the state government has neglected the Nilambur area. Many tribals have not been rehabilitated. There is also human-animal conflict here," Shoukath told ANI.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Tharoor ji always speaks with such grace and wisdom. Even when expressing disagreements, he maintains dignity. This is what we need more of in Indian politics - respectful dissent within parties. Hope Congress leadership listens to voices like his.
P
Priya M.
Not inviting an MP of Tharoor's stature for campaigning shows poor strategy by Congress. He's one of their most articulate voices! 🤦‍♀️ Meanwhile BJP is so disciplined in their campaigns. Congress needs to get its act together if they want to challenge in 2024.
A
Arjun S.
Typical Congress drama... First they don't invite him, then they'll complain if he doesn't campaign. Party is more focused on internal politics than actual governance issues. Look how they're talking about Nilambur's problems only during elections!
S
Sunita V.
As a Malayali, I must say Tharoor represents the best of Kerala's political culture - educated, articulate and progressive. It's sad to see him sidelined. Congress should utilize his capabilities better instead of playing petty politics. #WastedPotential
V
Vikram J.
The real issue here is Nilambur's development being neglected for years. All parties wake up only during elections. Human-animal conflict is serious - we need long-term solutions, not just campaign promises. Hope whoever wins actually delivers this time.
N
Neha P.
Tharoor's diplomatic approach is refreshing! He's disagreeing but not washing dirty linen in public. Though I wonder - is this a sign of bigger rifts in Congress? The party seems to be losing its best minds while holding on to outdated ways of functioning.

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