Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a light-hearted swipe at party MP Shashi Tharoor during a Congress Working Committee meeting on Tuesday, urging him to take part in party programmes instead of limiting his contribution to newspaper columns, according to sources.

The exchange took place during a discussion on plans for a possible Congress or INDIA bloc rally on October 2, which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Tharoor suggested holding the event on the occasion.

According to sources, Kharge responded by telling Tharoor that he should also be present at the programme rather than simply writing about such events.

Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram in the Lok Sabha, reportedly acknowledged the remark without responding.

Tharoor and Congress have differed on several issues

The exchange comes against the backdrop of occasional differences between Tharoor and sections of the Congress leadership.

Tharoor has at times taken positions that have differed from the party's broader approach on political and national issues. His participation in an overseas delegation following Operation Sindoor also drew attention after he agreed to lead one of the groups representing India's position on terrorism and Pakistan.

The Congress MP also faced criticism within sections of the party after writing about the issue of dynastic politics, a subject frequently raised by the BJP in its criticism of the Congress.

CWC focuses on electoral roll controversy

The Congress Working Committee meeting was largely focused on the ongoing dispute over the Election Commission's revision of electoral rolls.

The party discussed its response to the Special Intensive Revision process and reports about differences within the Election Commission over certain decisions. Congress has demanded greater transparency in the handling of voter data and has called for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Election Commission, however, has maintained that differences of opinion during internal deliberations are part of the normal functioning of an institution and that its decisions have legal backing.

The Congress has also announced plans to take the issue to the INDIA bloc and consider a wider political campaign.

Rahul Gandhi speaks about 'vote theft' campaign

During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi also discussed the Congress campaign over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. According to reports, Gandhi said the issue had gained greater public attention after the party repeatedly raised concerns about the electoral process.

The Congress has argued that recent developments, including reported disagreements within the Election Commission, support its demand for greater scrutiny of the voter-roll revision process.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and said the process is being conducted according to established rules.

The CWC meeting is expected to shape the Congress' next steps on the issue, including coordination with other opposition parties and possible programmes around October 2.