'Insult' in Kochi, silence in Delhi: Shashi Tharoor likely to skip key Congress meeting as party tensions surface

His decision follows what sources describe as deep dissatisfaction over his treatment during a recent Congress Mahapanchayat event in Kochi attended by Rahul Gandhi.

The absence of the four-time Thiruvananthapuram MP from the strategy meeting has drawn attention within party circles, coming at a sensitive time as the Congress looks to sharpen its campaign in Kerala.

Kochi event sparks discontent

According to party sources, Tharoor felt insulted by the arrangements at the Kochi event, particularly concerning seating and the sequence of speakers.

He was reportedly informed that only Rahul Gandhi would address the gathering after him, but several other leaders eventually took the stage as well.

The deviation from the communicated plan was seen as a public slight, especially given Tharoor’s seniority and standing within the party.

Observers also noted that Rahul Gandhi did not mention Tharoor by name during his address, an omission that added to the sense of unease.

Strained ties with party leadership

Sources indicate that Tharoor is upset not only with the state unit but also with the Congress’ central leadership, viewing the Kochi episode as part of a broader pattern of disregard for his role and contributions.

He is said to have conveyed his disappointment to close associates, signalling growing frustration within the party’s Kerala ranks.

The Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, is scheduled to meet senior leaders later in the day to discuss election preparations, but Tharoor will not be present.

Political context adds to friction

Tharoor’s strained relationship with the party leadership has been evident in recent months, particularly after remarks that appeared to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi on issues such as national security and responses to the Pahalgam terror attack.

These comments have placed him on uneasy ground with sections of the Congress leadership.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has frequently highlighted these differences to target the Congress.

The latest episode followed Tharoor posting a selfie with former BJP MP and current India men’s cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir, praising the challenges of the role.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla seized on the remark to underline what he described as contradictions within the Congress.

The Congress, however, has not issued an official statement addressing Tharoor’s reported discomfort or his decision to skip the meeting.

Meanwhile, Tharoor is expected to attend the Kerala Literature Festival, keeping a low political profile as discussions over the party’s election strategy continue without him.