BJP claims Shashi Tharoor’s Marginalisation In Congress Was Inevitable After 2022 Presidential Contest

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) weighed in on the growing rumours of a rift between Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and the Congress party. On Monday, BJP IT chief Amit Malviya stated that Tharoor’s “marginalisation was inevitable” after he contested against Mallikarjun Kharge in the 2022 presidential elections within Congress.

Malviya, using the platform X, explained that Tharoor’s “downsizing” within the party would have been quicker and more noticeable had it not been for his public profile. He also pointed out that Congress, in his view, was effectively controlled by the Gandhi family, making Tharoor’s rise to power difficult.

The controversy surrounding Tharoor began when he recently praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US and lauded Kerala’s startup ecosystem under the leadership of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) alliance. His comments were seen by many as an indirect criticism of his own party’s stance on Modi’s government. This led to speculation about his strained relationship with Congress.

Following the remarks, Tharoor met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, though details of their discussion were not made public. Later, Tharoor further sparked speculation when he stated that the Kerala Congress lacked a “leader” and could face a third consecutive term in opposition unless it broadened its appeal beyond its core supporters. In an interview, Tharoor said that while he was available to the party if needed, he had other “options” like writing books and speaking at international events if his services were not required.

The remarks stirred tensions within the party, and Congress leader K Sudhakaran, who had been supportive of Tharoor in the past, warned him not to overstep his boundaries. Sudhakaran admitted to trying to reach Tharoor but was unable to connect with him.

On the other hand, Congress veteran Ramesh Chennithala clarified that Tharoor’s interview was recorded before his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that there was no immediate need for reaction.

As speculation continues about Tharoor’s future in Congress, the situation remains uncertain. His remarks and political positions, as well as the BJP’s comments, have ignited a debate over the dynamics of leadership within Congress and its future trajectory in Kerala politics.