Congress Tries to Reset Ties as Shashi Tharoor Meets Rahul Gandhi and Kharge

Delhi: Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor held a closed-door meeting with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at Parliament on Thursday, signaling an attempt to clear the air amid recent buzz about internal unease within the party.

The meeting, which lasted around half an hour, took place at the Congress leadership’s office and covered a wide range of political and organisational issues. Sources said the discussion was frank but cordial, with an emphasis on unity and future responsibilities.

After the meeting, Tharoor downplayed speculation about differences with the party leadership. “I am not a candidate for any post. I have been campaigning for the party and I am very, very satisfied,” he told reporters, indicating that there was no leadership contest or confrontation involved.

Later, in a message on social media, Tharoor described the interaction in positive terms. He said he was grateful to Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for what he called a “warm and constructive discussion” and added that all leaders were aligned on the party’s direction and its commitment to public service.

The meeting came against the backdrop of reports suggesting strain in Tharoor’s relationship with sections of the Congress, particularly after some of his public comments were interpreted as being appreciative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tharoor had earlier acknowledged that he had certain concerns, but insisted that he had never gone against the Congress’s official stand inside Parliament.

Emphasising internal discipline, Tharoor said any disagreements within the party should be resolved through internal dialogue rather than public debate. He reiterated that he has been with the Congress for 17 years and remains committed to addressing issues within the party framework.

Addressing reports about him skipping a recent party meeting, the Thiruvananthapuram MP clarified that he had informed the leadership in advance. He explained that prior commitments, including attendance at a literature festival and continuous travel, made it difficult for him to be present.