Shashi Tharoor has always been an anomaly in Indian politics—an intellectual powerhouse in a system dominated by career politicians. But as whispers grow about his discontent within the Congress, one can’t help but wonder: is Tharoor inching towards an exit? His recent remarks, where he openly stated that he would leave if the party no longer wanted him, have only added to the speculation. With local body elections around the corner and the Kerala Assembly polls on the horizon, his statements come at a precarious time, potentially weakening an already struggling party.
Adding to the tension is his praise for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s startup policy and his take on the Trump-Modi meeting in Washington—positions that have distanced him even further from his Congress colleagues. But then again, Tharoor has never quite fit the traditional political mold. He did not rise through the ranks by leading protests, spending time in jail, or cultivating grassroots support. Instead, he entered the Congress as a direct appointee of the high command, valued for his eloquence, global appeal, and intellectual stature.
His initial foray into electoral politics was aided by his charisma and oratory, but it was the unwavering support of Thiruvananthapuram’s fishing community that secured his victory against BJP stalwart O. Rajagopal. His tenure as a minister in the UPA government, however, was short-lived, marred by controversies that exposed his political inexperience. Even his much-touted role in bringing Adani’s investment to the Vizhinjam deep-sea port remains a subject of debate—hailed as a strategic move by some, criticized as a blow to local fisherfolk by others.
Tharoor’s ambitions clearly extend beyond being just a Lok Sabha MP. His unsuccessful bid for the Congress presidency was a calculated attempt to project himself as a national leader, but his loss to Mallikarjun Kharge proved that style alone does not translate to leadership within the party. More recently, his aspirations seem to be shifting toward Kerala’s chief ministerial race. While he undoubtedly enjoys mass appeal—perhaps more than any other state Congress leader—his disconnect from grassroots party work remains his biggest handicap. His contemporaries, though lacking his linguistic finesse, have spent years entrenched in street-level politics, building alliances, and navigating the rough terrain of Kerala’s political landscape. Tharoor, on the other hand, seems more at ease with literary festivals than with political agitations.
His comments on the Trump-Modi meeting, despite little tangible evidence of its significance for India, suggest a desire to remain politically relevant in the broader discourse. While he has categorically ruled out joining the BJP, Indian politics has seen many leaders make unexpected ideological shifts over time.
Where does Tharoor go from here? That remains an open question. But one thing is certain—Indian politics, much like a well-crafted novel, thrives on unpredictability. And for Shashi Tharoor, the final chapter is yet to be written.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
Authentic news.
