No malicious intent behind remarks; Tharoor leaves without speaking to media after meeting Rahul and Kharge

NEW DELHI: The Congress high command on Tuesday held a meeting with Shashi Tharoor MP following the controversy surrounding Tharoor’s article on the achievements of the Pinarayi government in Kerala’s industrial sector. The meeting took place at Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and K.C. Venugopal also participated in the discussion.

After the meeting, Shashi Tharoor, along with Rahul, met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Following this, Tharoor left through the back gate without speaking to the media. He reportedly informed the national leadership that there was no malicious intent behind his remarks.

Tharoor’s article, praising the Kerala government, had sparked controversy within the Congress party. This led the high command to summon him for discussions. The state Congress leadership had conveyed its dissatisfaction with Tharoor’s stance to the high command.

Despite the backlash over his comments praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit and the Pinarayi government’s industrial policies, Tharoor stood firm on his position. AICC General Secretary Pawan Khera clarified that Tharoor’s statement regarding Modi’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump was not the official stance of the party. However, no other leaders commented on the matter. Tharoor’s broad perspectives on international issues have previously put the Congress party in a tight spot.