New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday quelled speculation of a rift with party leadership after a 90-minute meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament House, declaring, “We are on the same page.”
According to reports, the meeting held in the wake of Kerala election buzz, addressed Tharoor’s recent absences and perceived snubs, thereby, signaling unity ahead of the assembly polls in the southern state.
Tharoor, the four-time Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha MP, faced severe scrutiny after skipping key strategy sessions, including one on Kerala polls. Tensions peaked post-April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, when he lauded PM Modi’s “kinetic response” via Operation Sindoor, thereby, drawing party ire and BJP invite to a cross-party delegation, which he accepted. Reports suggested Tharoor eyed CM candidacy or even CPI(M) talks, fuelling exit rumours.
Emerging upbeat, Tharoor posted on X: “Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion… We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India.” To reporters, he added: “All is good… very satisfied” after frank exchanges on “a wide range of subjects.”
Kharge’s office hosted the closed-door discussions without other leaders like KC Venugopal.
Sources say Tharoor aired grievances over hierarchy slights and Kerala focus; leadership assured “due recognition.” The timing of the talks aligns with Parliament session and state polls.
