New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday effusively praised leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi as a “sincere” person and a “strong voice” against communalism, dismissing speculation of internal rifts just days after their meeting with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The Thiruvananthapuram MP’s remarks project bonhomie ahead of Kerala assembly polls, where Congress-led UDF eyes ousting the Pinarayi Vijayan government.
Speaking to reporters post-meeting, Tharoor called Gandhi and Kharge “my two leaders,” emphasising constructive discussion in a “spirit of camaraderie.” While highlighting Gandhi’s consistent stand against “politics of communalism, hatred, and divisiveness,” he said: “Everyone likes Rahul… I do not have a different opinion on that.” Tharoor vowed to crry out extensive campaigning across Kerala’s 140 constituencies to send a “right message” to voters.
The praise follows strain in ties over Tharoor’s perceived pro-BJP comments on India-Pakistan issues post-Pahalgam attack and a Kochi Mahapanchayat snub, fueling exit rumours. Wednesday’s Parliament huddle and Tharoor’s X post — “all is good, we are on the same page” — aimed to quell discord. Rejecting rift talk as “exaggerated,” he affirmed: “I can say that I am going to be in the Congress and that I am not going anywhere.” Tharoor clarified his “pro-India” views on global matters trump party lines in Parliament.
Congress insiders view this as high command mending fences with the articulate MP, whose independent streak irks hardliners but give an immense boost to the party’s intellectual face. Kerala unit chief V D Satheesan welcomed the alignment, amid UDF’s strategy to consolidate anti-LDF votes.
