Shashi Tharoor, the seasoned diplomat-turned-MP, has amply indicated that if the Congress party does not value his contribution, he would look elsewhere. This follows in the wake of furore over his recent accolades to the Left government in Kerala.
Tharoor highlighted the absence of a Congress member in the soon-to-be-released Malayalam-language podcast ‘Varthamanam,’ whose teaser has already been released, which is set to roll out on Wednesday.
His remarks have led to discontent in the party, especially after his praise for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) regarding its policies and the overall development of Kerala. His earlier compliments for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his exchange with then-U.S. President Donald Trump also drew criticism.
Rationalizing his remarks, Tharoor emphasized the need to provide opinions on the state’s development. “If the party wishes me, I will be there. If not, I have other interests. Don’t think that I am optionless; I have books to write, speeches to give, and lecture invitations all over the world,” he asserted.
Despite a Congress comeback in the 2024 national elections, that did not find its way to state elections. Tharoor warned that unless the party broadens its support base in Kerala, it might remain in opposition for a third consecutive term. Congress cannot rely solely on its die-hard supporters, he said, going on, “At the national level, Congress received around 19% of the vote. To come to power, we need to get an additional 26-27%.”
Tharoor’s ability to connect with voters across party lines has been a major characteristic of his political life. “I returned to India to serve my country, having a successful professional life in the U.S.,” he stated.
The Congress veteran has been criticized since he spoke about the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s management of Kerala’s economy in an article in a newspaper. While the Left embraced his words, his statements were condemned within his own party.
Tharoor clarified last week that he had merely attempted to highlight progress in the state’s startup sector. However, a regional party organ criticized him for allegedly presenting a “distorted” political narrative and labeling the LDF’s government as dangerous.
His earlier acclaim of PM Modi’s international engagement was also subjected to criticism, though he vindicated his stance by emphasizing the need to remain focused on Indian interests instead of party interest. “Politicians cannot always talk only in terms of party interest,” he contended, upholding his assurance of the need for balanced talk.
