Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor acknowledged on Thursday that, while differences exist with party leadership on certain issues, they do not amount to a major division, and he remains wholly devoted to Congress's values. He clarified that his absence from the campaign trail for the Nilambur by-election in Kerala was due to not receiving any invitation from the party leadership.
Speaking with journalists, Tharoor mentioned that he did not receive an invitation from the party, but he harbors no ill feelings. He explained that during the by-election campaign, he was on an official diplomatic tour abroad and, upon returning, there was no communication or request from the party. During that time, he participated in pre-scheduled commitments, such as attending the parliamentary standing committee meeting in Delhi.
However, on the election day, Tharoor arrived in Kerala and urged the public to vote in support of the party candidate. He stated, "Our candidate is excellent, and I encourage everyone to vote for them." When questioned whether his absence reflected discontent with the party leadership, Tharoor denied such claims. He emphasized that Congress workers are diligently campaigning, and supporters from his constituency, Thiruvananthapuram, are offering full support. He added, "My workers have secured my election victory four times, and they stand by me at all times."
Tharoor admitted that there might be disagreements with party leadership over certain topics, but such matters should be resolved internally. Congress remains an institution to which he is deeply connected. He believes differences can be settled through personal discussions without needing to make them public. Recently, Tharoor headed a multi-partisan delegation that visited five countries, including the USA, to clarify India's stance post the Sindoor operation and the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
