Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor recently addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala. Speaking on the IE Malayalam podcast, Tharoor stated that while he remains committed to the Congress, he also has "other options" if the party does not require his services. However, he dismissed speculation about switching parties, emphasizing that differing opinions do not necessarily mean political realignment.

Tharoor’s comments come after he praised Kerala’s LDF government for its policies and acknowledged PM Modi’s diplomatic engagement with former US President Donald Trump. These remarks sparked criticism within his party, with some leaders questioning his stance.

During the interview, Tharoor clarified that he has never considered himself a conventional politician and that his political approach does not follow narrow party lines. He urged the Congress to broaden its appeal in Kerala to attract a wider voter base, pointing out the lack of a clear leadership figure in the state unit. Citing independent opinion polls, he claimed that he holds a leading position in public perception regarding leadership in Kerala.

The veteran politician also warned that if the Congress fails to expand its reach, it risks remaining in the opposition in Kerala for a third consecutive term. However, when asked about reported tensions between him and the party leadership, Tharoor avoided direct responses, instead suggesting that the media focus on the India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy match taking place that day.

On social media, Tharoor shared a quote from Thomas Gray’s poem Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College, writing, "Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise." He captioned it as his "thought of the day," prompting speculation about its intended meaning.

Meeting With Rahul Gandhi

On February 18, Tharoor met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi and described their discussion as "very productive." While he refrained from disclosing details, he confirmed that key issues were addressed during their half-hour conversation. He denied that the meeting included discussions about upcoming elections or leadership roles in Kerala.

Tharoor's meeting with Rahul Gandhi followed controversy over his recent article commending Kerala’s LDF government for promoting entrepreneurship. His praise was strongly opposed by the state Congress unit, which accused him of undermining the party's position.

When asked about the backlash from Congress leaders in Kerala, Tharoor expressed confusion over the uproar. He reiterated that his long-standing advocacy for youth entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in Kerala should not be seen through a narrow political lens.

Defending his positive remarks about PM Modi’s diplomatic interactions with Trump, Tharoor argued that national interest should sometimes take precedence over party politics. "We cannot always speak only in terms of party lines when it comes to India’s larger interests," he stated.

Congress Leaders React

Reacting to Tharoor’s podcast statements, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala played down the controversy, suggesting that the interview might have taken place before Tharoor’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi. "If that’s the case, I don’t want to add to the controversy," he remarked.

Chennithala also recalled inviting Tharoor to join the Congress when he left the United Nations and suggesting that he contest elections from Palakkad. Tharoor acknowledged this in his interview, confirming the historical accuracy of the claim.

While the internal debate continues, Tharoor’s comments have reignited discussions on Congress’ strategy in Kerala and its approach to leadership and policy discourse.