AICC stays mum as Tharoor ups ante against state congress leadership

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr Shashi Tharoor has made his rebellion with Congress state leadership public and even hinted at his chances of seeking greener political pastures. Tharoor has made it certain that he would not remain mute under the current leadership.

The Muslim League, a major ally of UDF is apprehensive of the current rift and fears this will tamper UDF's chances of wresting power in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. The League will express its displeasure in the UDF meeting on the 27th.

At this juncture, CPM has already started efforts to bring Tharoor to their camp. On social media, CPM cadres including leaders are showering praises on the Thiruvananthapuram MP. Amidst Congress's stance to ignore him for the earlier remarks, Tharoor in an interview with The Indian Express on Sunday gave a lucid account of his future political intentions. Tharoor clarified that he would bring comprehensive change in Kerala if given power at the helm.

Shortly after the interview ignited debate, KPCC president K Sudhakaran, who had earlier backed Tharoor, warned the leader not to go overboard with his comments. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, who is in charge of the organisation, and the members of the Congress working committee haven’t responded yet.

Veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala reminded Tharoor of how Congress offered all help to turn him into MP four times from Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, K Muraleedharan said there existed no dearth of leadership within Congress in Kerala, thus putting Tharoor back in his place.

Similar to poaching Dr P Sarin from Congress, CPM is pondering over a move with Tharoor. CPM also doubts a BJP coup to bring Tharoor to the saffron camp.

Despite switching sides, K V Thomas and Padmaja Venugopal could do nothing effective to hurt the congress vote base in any way. Congress leadership don’t believe Tharoor has the knack to win over the supporters if switched sides. But with a meticulous move from CPM, things can go upside down.