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Key Points

Shashi Tharoor claims he wasn’t invited to campaign for the Nilambur bypoll despite being on Congress’s star campaigner list. He openly acknowledges disagreements with party leadership but avoids specifics due to ongoing polling. The Nilambur by-election recorded a 70.76% voter turnout, with Congress hoping for a win. The seat fell vacant after LDF’s PV Anvar resigned and joined TMC.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor Claims No Invite for Nilambur Bypoll Despite Star Campaigner Status

  • Tharoor was listed 8th among 40 Congress star campaigners
  • He denies receiving an invite for Nilambur bypoll
  • Cites public disagreements with party leadership
  • Nilambur bypoll sees 70.76% voter turnout
3 min read

Tharoor says 'not invited' for Nilambur bypoll campaign, but he was in Congress star campaigners' list

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says he wasn’t invited for Nilambur bypoll despite being on the party’s star campaigner list, hinting at internal rifts.

"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 claimed he was not invited by the party to campaign for its candidate in the Nilambur Assembly byelection in Kerala; however, he was among the list of star campaigners submitted to the Election Commission by the party

According to the list of star campaigners submitted by the Congress to the Election Commission, Tharoor's name is in eighth place among the 40 people, including KC Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala.

Congress General Secretary Mukul Wasnik submitted the list to the Election Commission of India through an official letter dated June 2.

This list was officially communicated by the Election Commission to the Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, on June 5, for circulating the list to relevant authorities.

Earlier on Thursday, responding to queries about internal differences, Tharoor said, "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. "

He added that he did not campaign for the Congress candidate for the Nilambur by-election 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 bye-election 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 Nilambur Assembly by-election in Kerala recorded a voter turnout of 70.76 per cent as of 5 PM, according to data from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Kerala. The polling process has been reported to be smooth, with robust arrangements to ensure a fair and secure election.

The bypoll was 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Tharoor is too classy for Congress's petty politics. If they included him in star campaigners but didn't invite, it shows their insecurity. Kerala Congress needs to value intellectuals like him more! #WastedTalent
P
Priya M.
Typical Congress drama 🤦‍♀️ First they put his name, then don't invite. No wonder young voters are moving away from them. Tharoor at least handled it with dignity unlike others who would have created a scene.
A
Arjun S.
As a Malayali, I feel Congress is making a big mistake sidelining Tharoor. He's one of the few leaders with pan-India appeal. Maybe they're afraid he'll overshadow local leaders? Whatever the reason, it's short-sighted politics.
S
Sunita R.
While I respect Dr. Tharoor, he should understand party discipline comes first. Airing differences publicly during elections helps no one. Both sides need to sit down and resolve issues internally. Congress has bigger challenges than internal squabbles!
V
Vikram J.
This is why Congress keeps losing - too much focus on internal politics rather than connecting with people. Tharoor could have brought educated urban voters, but they preferred to keep him away. Chalo, their loss! 😏
M
Meena L.
The real question is - why make a star campaigners list if you're not going to use them properly? Such disorganization shows why Congress is struggling. Hope they learn from BJP's disciplined campaigning methods.

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