Shashi Tharoor Admits 'Differences Of Opinion' With Congress Leadership, Stays Mum Amid Nilambur Bypoll

Shashi Tharoor of the Congress party on Thursday acknowledged that he holds differences with certain members of the party leadership but stated he would not discuss them publicly due to the ongoing by-election in the Nilambur constituency.

Speaking to reporters, Tharoor reiterated his strong commitment to the Congress party, its principles, and its workers.

Photo Credit: PTI

He noted that he has worked alongside Congress members for 16 years and considers them close companions. As reported by news agency PTI, he said:

"However, I do have differences of opinion with some in the Congress leadership. You know what I am talking about, as some of those issues are there in the public domain and have been reported by you (media)."

Quoted by ANI, Tharoor also said: "The Congress party, its values, and its workers are dear to me. I have been working with them for the past 16 years, and I have seen their commitment, dedication and idealism."

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) member did not specify whether these differences were with the national or state leadership. The MP for Thiruvananthapuram hinted that he may address the matter in more detail after the by-election results are announced.

Asked why he was not participating in the campaign for the Nilambur bypoll, Tharoor responded that he had not been invited-something he said had also happened during previous by-elections, including the one in Wayanad last year.

"I do not go where I am not invited," the senior Congress leader remarked. However, he expressed hope that the campaign efforts of the party workers would be successful and that the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate would secure a victory in Nilambur.

When questioned about his recent discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tharoor clarified that the talks pertained to delegations travelling abroad in connection with Operation Sindoor and the meetings held as part of those visits.

"No domestic politics were discussed," he asserted.

He also defended his decision to accept the Centre's invitation to head one of the delegations, stating that his role as chairman of the External Affairs Committee in Parliament was centred on India's foreign policy and the national interest, rather than party politics.

"I have not changed my line. When an issue concerning the nation comes up, we are all obligated to work and speak for the country. What I said during Operation Sindoor was my own opinion. The Centre asked for my services. Indeed, my party did not. So, I proudly did my duty as an Indian citizen," he said.

The Nilambur by-election was triggered by the resignation of Left Democratic Front (LDF) independent legislator PV Anvar, who later joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) following a fallout with the ruling alliance.

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukhath expressed confidence about winning, accusing the state government of neglecting Nilambur and failing to resolve key issues such as the rehabilitation of tribal communities and the growing problem of human-animal conflict.

"There will be a good victory in this election. For the last nine years, the state government has neglected the Nilambur area. Many tribals have not been rehabilitated. There is also human-animal conflict here," Shoukath told ANI.