Shashi Tharoor's Absence Sparks Controversy Within Congress
Shashi Tharoor's absence from a crucial Congress strategy meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament has reignited tensions within the party. Tharoor cited travel constraints due to accompanying his elderly mother from Kerala as the reason for missing the meeting, which was chaired by Sonia Gandhi.
Tharoor's Explanation
Tharoor stated that he did not intentionally skip the meeting, explaining, "I did not skip it; I was on a plane, coming from Kerala." His office further clarified that traveling with his 90-year-old mother made it "impossible for him to reach Delhi in time."
Notably, KC Venugopal, Congress General Secretary, was also absent due to local election campaigning in Kerala.
Previous Absence and Modi Praise Add Fuel to the Fire
This absence follows another recent instance where Tharoor missed a Congress meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue, citing ill health. However, his subsequent attendance at a government event addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised eyebrows among Congress leaders.
Furthermore, Tharoor's praise for Prime Minister Modi on social media has drawn criticism from within the party.
Congress Leaders React
Congress leader Sandeep Dixit questioned Tharoor's commitment to the party, stating:
- "Shashi Tharoor's problem is that I don't think he knows a lot about the country..."
- "If, according to you, someone is doing good for the country by going against the Congress's policies, then you should follow those policies..."
- "Why are you in Congress? ... Is it only because you are an MP?"
- "If you really feel that the BJP or PM Modi's strategies are working better than the party you are in, then you should give an explanation. If you are not giving one, you are a hypocrite," he added.
Strained Relationship Since Presidential Bid
Tharoor’s relationship with the Congress leadership has been under strain since he contested the party president election against Mallikarjun Kharge. The friction reportedly intensified when his name was omitted from the list of Congress leaders suggested for the Union government's Operation Sindoor outreach.
Modi's Invitation and Tharoor's Statements
Despite internal tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Tharoor to lead a delegation to the United States and other countries in the Americas. Tharoor's public statements, some interpreted as favorable towards the Prime Minister, have further contributed to the unease within the Congress.
The rift has become more pronounced following recent remarks and social media posts that appeared to challenge the party’s leadership. The situation highlights the ongoing internal dynamics and ideological differences within the Congress party.
