Shashi Tharoor Seeks Clarity on His Role in Congress, Rahul Gandhi Offers No Clear Response

New Delhi: Shashi Tharoor has projected an “all is well” image following his recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi, but reports suggest underlying tensions. During their discussion, Tharoor reportedly raised several concerns, particularly seeking clarity on his role within the Congress party. He is said to have voiced dissatisfaction over being sidelined and not being given opportunities, including exclusion from major Parliamentary debates. 

Rahul Gandhi, however, reportedly did not provide clear answers to these concerns. 

This meeting took place shortly after Tharoor made remarks that caused unease within the Congress. He had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US and also commended the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala for its industrial initiatives. His comments, particularly regarding the LDF, led to backlash from the state Congress and opposition leaders, who viewed them as straying from the party’s stance. 

A controversy also erupted after Tharoor wrote an article appreciating Kerala’s entrepreneurial growth under the LDF government—something the Congress in the state strongly rejected. 

Additionally, Tharoor reportedly conveyed his disappointment over his removal from the All India Professional Congress, an initiative he had founded. He also sought clarity on whether the party expected him to focus on Kerala in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections. However, Rahul Gandhi did not provide a definite direction on this matter. 

Tharoor also inquired about the possibility of being projected as the Congress’s chief ministerial candidate for Kerala, but Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the party does not announce a CM face before election results. 

Following the meeting, Tharoor refrained from revealing further details, stating that no discussions took place regarding upcoming elections or leadership roles in Kerala. When questioned about his concerns over being sidelined, he maintained, “I have never made any complaint against anyone.”