Shashi Tharoor Misses Congress High-Level Meet, Internal Unease Surfaces Ahead of Elections

Delhi: Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor remained absent from an important meeting of the party’s top leadership in Delhi, a move that has once again sparked discussions about internal discomfort within the Congress ranks ahead of upcoming elections.

As per media reports, Tharoor chose not to attend the meeting after feeling marginalised during a recent Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) programme held in Kochi on January 19. The event, described as a “Maha Panchayath,” was addressed by Rahul Gandhi and attended by senior party leaders from across the state.

Sources indicate that Tharoor was unhappy with the seating arrangement on the stage at the Kochi event. Despite being a member of the Congress Working Committee, he was reportedly placed at one end of the dais, a move seen by his supporters as a departure from established party norms.

As per media reports, Tharoor had also been informed in advance that only Rahul Gandhi would deliver a detailed address, while other leaders were expected to keep their speeches brief. Based on this understanding, he reportedly limited his remarks. However, several leaders who spoke later were given more time, which is said to have added to his dissatisfaction.

Another factor believed to have contributed to the unease was Rahul Gandhi’s speech, during which multiple leaders were mentioned by name, but Tharoor was not referred to. Sources suggest that this omission did not go down well with the senior MP, who is often viewed as a prominent national face of the party.

Congress leaders later attempted to downplay the issue. As per media reports, party sources stated that the Kochi event was organised primarily around Rahul Gandhi’s address and that all speakers had to wait for their turn. They maintained that there was no intention to sideline any leader.

Meanwhile, the Congress leadership has issued a strong message on internal discipline. During a meeting held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders reiterated that internal differences should not be aired publicly. The meeting was attended by Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Bhupesh Baghel, Ambika Soni, and other senior functionaries.

Following the meeting, party leaders indicated that clear instructions had been given to avoid public or social media commentary on internal matters, and to raise concerns only through official party platforms.