Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s strained relationship with the party leadership appears to have worsened following his reported walkout from the KPCC-organized ‘Maha Panchayat’ in Thiruvananthapuram. Party sources described the episode as stemming from a series of “unpleasant incidents” during the event, adding to ongoing tensions between the senior leader and the Congress high command.
According to sources, Tharoor had earlier sought clarity on his role in the programme, enquiring whether he should accompany Rahul Gandhi during his visit to writer M. Leelavathi’s residence or proceed directly to the venue. He was reportedly advised to go straight to the event site and deliver his address before Rahul Gandhi’s arrival. However, complications arose when Rahul arrived while Tharoor was speaking. Tharoor is said to have cut short his speech, after which Rahul Gandhi addressed the gathering without mentioning him. Party insiders suggested this omission was perceived as a slight by the Thiruvananthapuram MP.
Sources claimed the incident left Tharoor feeling sidelined, leading him to inform colleagues that he would limit his political engagement to his parliamentary constituency. Despite efforts by both national and state Congress leaders to reach out and defuse the situation, Tharoor reportedly remained unresponsive.
The Congress leadership maintained that speaking slots were allotted only to leaders who accompanied Rahul Gandhi from the airport. Tharoor’s supporters, however, countered that he was deliberately excluded from the arrival protocol and directed to the venue instead.
The event also sparked controversy over the treatment of other senior leaders. Ramesh Chennithala’s name was announced after that of Adoor Prakash, which sources close to Chennithala attributed to an error by Rahul Gandhi’s secretary. Additionally, former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran was reportedly asked to vacate his seat for KPCC president Sunny Joseph, triggering dissatisfaction among party workers and members of the Ezhava community. Some linked this discontent to longstanding allegations by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan that the Congress sidelines Ezhava leaders.
The episode follows recent attempts to mend ties, including Tharoor’s participation in the Wayanad leadership meeting last month. Party insiders now fear the latest developments could further complicate internal equations within the Kerala unit, even as the leadership stresses inclusivity and unity.