Shashi Tharoor’s presence at leadership camp comes as a relief for Congress in Kerala

The presence of Shashi Tharoor, Congress Working Committee member and MP from Thiruvananthapuram, at the recently concluded two-day State leadership camp at Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad has come as a major relief for the party.

Mr. Tharoor’s recent comments praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticising the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty had embarrassed the Congress. Party leaders in Kerala were worried if they would turn out to be counterproductive in the upcoming Assembly election campaign at a time when the Congress is eyeing a big comeback in the State. However, Mr. Tharoor arrived for the camp on Sunday (January 4, 2025) itself and attended the sessions throughout the two days. There were also reports that he urged the delegates to desist from making controversial remarks about the party on public platforms. The party is now planning to make use of his popularity in the Assembly poll campaign.

Addressing the media on Monday, Mr. Tharoor clarified that he would always abide by the party line. “Who said that I crossed the party line? Even if I express my own opinion on an issue, there has been no compromise on certain basic points. Some people make certain comments after reading only the headlines of my articles. After going through them fully, they may change their views,” he said. Pointing out that he had worked for the Congress for 17 years and that there was no need to sever his ties with it based on certain misunderstandings.

Meanwhile, All-India Congress Committee general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal said that Mr. Tharoor was a valuable leader for the party. “We have told him to be cautious while issuing certain statements on issues. He is no longer making such remarks. The party will make use of his services,” he said.