Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has decided to boycott an important meeting convened by the Congress high command to strategize for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, citing feelings of insult during a recent Mahapanchayat event in Kochi attended by Rahul Gandhi.
Sources within the party revealed that Tharoor is currently displeased with both the state and central leadership, viewing the incident as a public slight that underscores deeper issues of protocol and recognition.
The controversy erupted at the Kochi gathering, organized to celebrate the UDF's local body poll success. Tharoor was initially informed that only Rahul Gandhi would speak after him, but the schedule changed upon Gandhi's arrival, allowing several other leaders to address the crowd. This deviation from the planned order reportedly embarrassed the senior MP, particularly given his stature in the party. Compounding the matter, Rahul Gandhi's speech made no mention of Tharoor by name, an omission that observers found notable amid Tharoor's significant contributions to Congress campaigns in Kerala.
Tharoor has confided his disappointment to close associates, interpreting the episode as part of a broader pattern of disregard for his role within the organization. The episode has ignited discussions among party workers about internal discipline, respect for seniority, and potential friction ahead of the high-stakes state elections. While the Congress leadership has not issued any official comment on Tharoor's decision or discomfort, his absence from the key strategy session signals growing tensions within the Kerala unit.
Notably, Tharoor plans to attend the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode today, indicating he remains active in public engagements despite the political rift.