Sources indicated that while several factors have contributed to his discontent, the decisive moment came when Gandhi overlooked him during the ‘Maha Panchayath’ in Kochi on January 19, which was organized to honor local body poll victors.
According to reports, Gandhi acknowledged other senior leaders present on stage, calling out their names, but did not mention Tharoor, a four-time MP and one of the three CWC members from the state, who was also on the platform.
Tharoor’s office announced that he has notified the party about his inability to attend the meeting due to previous commitments at the Kerala Literature festival in Kozhikode.
However, sources close to him have stated that he is quite upset with the treatment he has received from the party, especially after issues had been resolved during the Wayanad meetings held alongside the Lakshya 2026 leadership camp, organized by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, to devise strategies for the forthcoming state Assembly elections.
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Following that gathering, Tharoor expressed that he has always adhered to the party line.
The Congress has yet to provide an official response to this matter.
Kerala Congress leaders have unitedly called for a campaign against the LDF in the upcoming Assembly elections from Wayanad. Reports suggest that it was agreed he would not run for election but would actively campaign across the state.
However, shortly thereafter, internal rifts within the state unit resurfaced, with Tharoor appearing displeased with his recent treatment in Kochi.
Tharoor has also communicated with key party officials, including general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Das Munshi (AICC in-charge Kerala), highlighting the “mistreatment” he has experienced.
His statements and articles have recently sparked significant backlash from Congress leaders at both national and state levels.
A controversy arose last year due to his remarks concerning the India-Pakistan situation and the diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam attack. These comments contradicted the Congress’s official stance, leading many party members to question his motives.
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Tharoor has, nonetheless, asserted that there is no divergence in foreign policy and emphasized the need for bipartisanship.
Kharge is scheduled to lead a crucial meeting with Kerala leaders on Friday (January 23) to refine the party’s strategy for the assembly elections.
