Sultan Bathery (Kerala):
Congress Working Committee member and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday firmly rejected suggestions that he had strayed from the party’s ideological or political position, saying he had remained consistent with the Congress line throughout his 17-year association with the party. Addressing reporters after attending the Lakshya 2026 leadership camp organised by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Sultan Bathery, Tharoor sought to clarify his recent statements and writings that had triggered debate and criticism within party circles.

The senior Congress leader said the controversy surrounding his remarks was largely driven by selective reading and headline-based interpretations rather than a full understanding of what he had actually said or written. “My question is, who said that I left the party line? Even when I expressed my opinions on various subjects, on most matters, the party and I have stood on the same line,” Tharoor said, making it clear that he did not see any contradiction between his views and the official stance of the Congress.

Tharoor’s recent statements, including parliamentary questions, public remarks, and an article, had put the party in a defensive position, with some leaders suggesting that his comments were being misused by political opponents. However, the MP asserted that there was no reason for the party to feel uneasy about his interventions. He said the questions he raised in Parliament to Union ministers were well thought out and had a clear direction.

“The questions I asked were purposeful. They were meant to highlight issues that concern the country and the people. The party should not be troubled by them,” he said, underlining that asking questions and seeking accountability were core parliamentary responsibilities, not acts of dissent.

Tharoor also pointed to what he described as a recurring problem in political discourse, where opinions are formed based on headlines rather than content. “Many controversies arise because people read only the headlines. When I ask whether people have read what I actually wrote, most have not. Once they read the full text, they understand the real issue,” he said. According to him, a careful reading of his articles and statements would show that they were nuanced and in line with democratic debate, rather than endorsements or praise of political opponents.

Reflecting on his long association with the Congress, Tharoor said he had been a party member for 17 years and enjoyed cordial relations with colleagues across levels. “There is no need for any sudden misunderstanding now,” he said, dismissing speculation about internal rifts. He added that disagreement or debate should not automatically be construed as disloyalty, especially in a party that prides itself on democratic traditions.

When asked whether the current friction stemmed from his decision to contest the Congress president’s election, Tharoor downplayed the issue. He said internal elections had always been part of the Congress’s organisational culture and that many leaders in the party’s history had both won and lost such contests. “I contested and lost. The chapter ended there. I don’t see any story in it,” he said. “In the party’s history, many elections have been held, and many have been won and lost.”

Tharoor also addressed specific controversies that had drawn criticism from within the party. On his remarks defending veteran BJP leader L K Advani, he said his statement was a simple gesture of courtesy on Advani’s 98th birthday. “Our culture teaches us to respect elders, and that is what I did,” he said, adding that acknowledging an individual’s age or personal milestone did not amount to political endorsement.

Similarly, responding to criticism over remarks perceived as praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tharoor clarified that he had merely quoted what was said at a public event. “I asked people to point out where I praised him. If one reads the full post, it is clear there was nothing of that sort,” he said. According to Tharoor, selective interpretation of such remarks had led to unnecessary controversy.

The Congress MP also spoke at length about the political situation in Kerala, where Assembly elections are due next year. He said the party would adopt a consultative approach in selecting candidates and formulating strategies. “All party leaders will be consulted,” he said, adding that he shared good relations with leaders across factions in the state.

Asked whether sitting Congress MPs would contest the Assembly elections, Tharoor said that while a few parliamentarians were interested, the final decision rested entirely with the party leadership. “That is a collective decision. The leadership will decide what is best for the party,” he said.

Outlining his broader vision for Kerala, Tharoor stressed the need for economic reforms and job creation. He said he spoke and wrote for people who were forced to migrate to other states and countries in search of better opportunities. “Kerala should open its doors to investment if it wants to create more opportunities for its youth,” he said, adding that development would be impossible without employment generation.

“Our financial situation is weak, with severe debt. A major portion of the budget goes into debt servicing instead of development,” Tharoor said, calling for a serious study of all sectors to identify sustainable growth pathways. He emphasised that economic revival and employment generation should be central to the Congress’s campaign in the state.

Expressing confidence in the United Democratic Front (UDF), Tharoor said the party would stand united with the people and was well placed to return to power in Kerala. On claims that the Congress could win around 100 seats in the Assembly, he said the statement had been made by the Leader of the Opposition and was achievable under the right circumstances.

Regarding the chief ministerial face, Tharoor said there was no shortage of capable leaders within the Congress. “Several people may be deserving, but in our party, the final decision is taken after consulting MLAs,” he said, reiterating the party’s collective decision-making process.

When asked about his own role in Kerala politics going forward, Tharoor said he would remain actively involved despite his responsibilities in Parliament. He recalled that during the 2021 Assembly elections, even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, he had campaigned extensively across the state. “I campaigned in 56 assembly constituencies then. I have always campaigned in Assembly elections, and this time you will see me even more,” he said.

Tharoor’s comments come amid sharp criticism from some Congress leaders at both the national and state levels over his recent statements and writings. By addressing these issues head-on, the senior leader sought to put the controversy to rest and reaffirm his commitment to the party’s principles, unity, and electoral prospects, particularly as the Congress prepares for a crucial electoral battle in Kerala.