Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has stirred controversy within his party after praising the economic policies of the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala. His remarks, which acknowledged the state’s progress under the Left government, have been met with sharp criticism from Congress leaders, deepening existing tensions within the party.Tharoor’s comments came during a podcast interview, where he also highlighted the absence of a strong Congress leadership in Kerala. He defended his right to express his views on the state's development and stressed that political leaders should look beyond party lines when discussing progress and governance.
 

Congress Divided Over Tharoor’s Statements

Tharoor, who has been elected four times from Kerala, maintained that his remarks were based on facts rather than political allegiance. However, Congress leaders in the state viewed them as a challenge to the party’s position, given its rivalry with the CPM. His statement has intensified discussions about the party’s strategy in Kerala, especially after failing to make gains in the state elections despite a national resurgence in 2024.Speaking about Congress’ electoral challenges in Kerala, Tharoor emphasized the need for the party to broaden its appeal. He pointed out that the Congress vote share at the national level was around 19% and that merely relying on a committed voter base would not be enough to win elections.“If the party wants me, I will be there for the party. If not, I have my own things to do,” Tharoor stated, underlining that he has multiple career options, including writing and international speaking engagements. He insisted that his intention was to promote an open discussion on Kerala’s development rather than undermine Congress’ position.
 

Tharoor’s Political Future Amid Internal Discontent

The controversy surrounding Tharoor is not new. His praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic meeting with former US President Donald Trump had also drawn backlash from Congress circles. Tharoor defended himself by stating that his comments were made with India’s national interest in mind, rather than party considerations.His recent statements, particularly on Kerala’s economy and governance, have been welcomed by the Left but criticized by Congress leaders who see them as damaging to the party’s image. A regional Congress mouthpiece condemned his stance, accusing him of weakening the party from within.Tharoor clarified that his remarks were meant to highlight Kerala’s progress in the startup sector and economic management rather than endorse the Left’s broader policies. However, the criticism from his party indicates growing discomfort with his independent stance.As Congress struggles to regain political ground in Kerala, Tharoor’s remarks have fueled debates over the party’s direction in the state. Whether this leads to further rifts or forces a strategic reevaluation remains to be seen, but his influence in Kerala’s political landscape continues to be a subject of intense discussion.