Congress Issues 'Gag Order' To Kerala Leaders On Shashi Tharoor Row

With the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for next year, the Congress high command has taken note of Shashi Tharoor’s growing assertiveness.

Shashi Tharoor is reportedly facing internal criticism within Congress for his recent praise of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s governance.

Source : Facebook

In the wake of controversies surrounding senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s remarks indicating his desire for a greater role in Kerala politics, the Congress high command has instructed all state leaders to refrain from making any public statements on the matter. Sources close to Tharoor have clarified that he is not planning to quit the party but wants more consultation on key decisions and an opportunity to take up the State Congress leadership.

With Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for next year, Congress high command has taken note of Tharoor’s growing assertiveness. In response, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi have called for a crucial meeting with Kerala Congress leaders in Delhi in the next couple of days. The discussions are expected to focus on election strategy, leadership concerns and the party’s positioning in the state.

Further, this comes amid growing speculation about Tharoor's political future. Thiruvananthapuram MP on Tuesday shared a selfie with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds after a discussion on the India-UK trade deal. The post also comes at a time when Tharoor is reportedly facing internal criticism within Congress for his recent praise of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s governance. Since then, top Congress leaders in Kerala have largely distanced themselves from him, fueling further uncertainty about his standing in the party.

When questioned by reporters on his stand on Tuesday, Tharoor said, "If the party wants me... I will be there. If not, I have my own things to do. You should not think I don't have any options..."

Meanwhile, Congress leadership is also holding meetings with state units from Assam and Bihar in the coming days to prepare for their respective assembly elections. A brainstorming session with Assam Congress leaders is set on Thursday, while Bihar leaders will meet with the high command next week.