Shashi Tharoor’s recent remarks on the leadership vacuum in Kerala’s Congress unit have sparked fresh political debate, with the CPI(M) openly extending an invitation should he choose to exit the party. His statements, made during an upcoming interview on the Malayalam-language podcast Varthamanam by The Indian Express, have drawn attention not only for their candidness but also for their timing, given the shifting dynamics within the Congress in Kerala.
Senior CPI(M) leader Thomas Isaac reacted strongly to Tharoor’s comments, suggesting that he “will not be an orphan in Kerala politics” if he decides to leave Congress. Isaac went further, stating that there would be no obstacles in CPI(M) welcoming Tharoor, recalling how the party has absorbed Congress leaders in the past. He even called it a “miracle” that Tharoor has remained in Congress for this long, indicating that Tharoor’s dissatisfaction with the party has been a long-standing issue.
In the interview, Tharoor pointed out that Kerala’s Congress lacks a clear leader, emphasizing his independent appeal among voters. He claimed that opinion polls by independent organizations placed him ahead of other Congress leaders in leadership stakes, suggesting that his popularity extends beyond the party’s core supporters. His remarks have added fuel to ongoing discussions about the future of Kerala’s Congress leadership, especially ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Congress leaders, however, have responded with caution. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala sought to downplay the significance of the interview, suggesting it may have been recorded before Tharoor met Rahul Gandhi on February 18. Another senior Congress leader, K Muraleedharan, dismissed CPI(M)’s overtures, stating that the leadership issue was an internal matter. He reiterated that Congress would contest the 2026 elections without a Chief Ministerial face, following the traditional process where elected MLAs and the high command decide leadership after securing victory.
Tharoor’s recent praise for the economic and startup policies of Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI(M) government had already raised eyebrows within the Congress, fueling speculation about his political future. While he has maintained that he has not complained about being sidelined, his latest statements have intensified speculation about his long-term commitment to the party. The Congress leadership’s reluctance to project a clear leader in Kerala has only added to the uncertainty.
In the interview, Tharoor made it clear that his political career is not entirely dependent on Congress. “If the party wants me, then I will be there for the party. If not, I have my own things to do. You should not think that I don't have any options to spend time. I have my books, speeches, invitations from across the world for talks,” he said, implying that he is prepared for any eventuality.
His recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi, which he described as a “very good conversation,” has added another layer of intrigue. While he refrained from sharing details of their one-on-one discussion, the meeting suggests that the Congress leadership is taking his concerns seriously. However, whether this translates into a more defined role for Tharoor within the party remains uncertain.
With the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections drawing closer, the political landscape remains fluid. While CPI(M) appears eager to welcome Tharoor, Congress faces the challenge of managing internal divisions and clarifying its leadership strategy in the state. Tharoor’s influence and appeal make him a key figure in Kerala politics, and his next move could have significant implications for both parties.
