Thiruvananthapuram MP and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday admitted to having differences of opinion with sections of the Congress leadership but refrained from elaborating on them, citing the ongoing bypoll in Kerala’s Nilambur constituency.
Speaking to reporters, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) member reaffirmed his commitment to the party and its workers. “Congress, its values, and its workers are very dear to me. I have worked closely with them for 16 years — they are like close friends and brothers to me,” Tharoor said.
While acknowledging the internal disagreements, Tharoor added, “You know what I am talking about, as some of those issues are already in the public domain and have been reported by the media.” However, he clarified that now was not the right time to raise such matters and hinted that he may speak further once the bypoll results are out.
Responding to a query about his absence from the Nilambur bypoll campaign, Tharoor said he had not been invited. “I do not go where I am not invited,” he remarked, referring to similar instances during earlier byelections, including the Wayanad poll. Despite the snub, Tharoor said he wished success for the party’s campaign and hoped for a United Democratic Front (UDF) victory in Nilambur.
He also addressed speculation over his recent engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, clarifying that the meeting pertained solely to Operation Sindoor, India’s outreach initiative to bring back stranded citizens. “No domestic politics were discussed,” he said.
Justifying his decision to lead a delegation under the government’s directive, Tharoor said, “When the nation’s interest is involved, we are obligated to act beyond party lines. I performed my duty proudly as an Indian citizen. The Centre asked for my service — my party did not.”
Tharoor’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of his relationship with both state and national Congress leadership, even as he maintains his independent stance on national matters.