Shashi Tharoor's Praise for Kerala CM Sparks Rift Within Congress Party

Thiruvananthapuram- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has found himself at the center of a political maelstrom after publishing an article praising Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's governance in a leading national daily. The controversy has created significant tension within the Congress party's Kerala unit, with senior leadership distancing themselves from the four-time Thiruvananthapuram MP.

The situation has escalated to such an extent that concerns about Tharoor's apparent disillusionment with the party have begun to surface. While the article has earned him accolades from the CPI-M and Chief Minister Vijayan himself, it has simultaneously alienated him from his own party's leadership in Kerala.

The controversy prompted immediate action from the Congress high command, leading to a private meeting between Tharoor and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Delhi last week. However, Tharoor's continued adherence to his position has further strained relations with key state leaders, including state party President K. Sudhakaran, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and veteran legislator Ramesh Chennithala.

The growing divide became more apparent when Sudhakaran publicly acknowledged his inability to establish contact with Tharoor despite multiple attempts. In response to the escalating situation, K.C. Venugopal, Congress General Secretary in charge of organisation and Tharoor's Lok Sabha colleague, attempted to defuse tensions by emphasizing the party's tolerance for internal criticism, stating that the Congress has always welcomed constructive feedback and doesn't sideline critics.

A media analyst, speaking anonymously, offered insight into Tharoor's unique position within the party. While acknowledging Tharoor's distinct appeal, evidenced by his four consecutive victories in Thiruvananthapuram that transcend party lines, the analyst pointed to his operational style as a significant barrier. Tharoor's perceived inaccessibility has limited his network of allies within the party, as exemplified by the state party president's public admission of communication difficulties.

The analyst further suggested that while the Congress party offers considerable freedom to its leaders, Tharoor may have exceeded acceptable boundaries in this instance. The situation has created ripples beyond Kerala, with national party leaders increasingly concerned that Tharoor's actions might have more serious implications than he anticipated.

Despite attempts by leaders like Venugopal to smooth over the controversy, there's a growing consensus among national party leadership that Tharoor may have overstepped in a way that could have lasting consequences for his political relationships within the Congress party.