Rahul Gandhi Asserts 'Unity' In Kerala Congress Amid Internal Row Over Shashi Tharoor

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asserted that the party's Kerala leaders "stand as one" and were "united" by the light of purpose ahead.

His assertion came after the Congress' top brass met Kerala leaders at 'Indira Bhawan' here for a brainstorming session on Friday to discuss the strategy and the way forward ahead of next year's assembly elections.

Photo Credit: AICC via PTI Photo

Posting a picture from the media byte by Kerala leaders after the meeting, Gandhi said in a Facebook post, "They stand as one, united by the light of purpose ahead."

Among those featured in the image was Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, who has been at the centre of a controversy within the Congress's Kerala unit in recent weeks.

A former Union Minister and four-time MP, Tharoor made headlines last month after praising Kerala's start-up sector, despite the state being governed by the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

His remarks triggered criticism within the Congress, prompting Tharoor to clarify that he had not praised the CPM government but had simply acknowledged the state's progress in the start-up industry.

The CPM, however, seized upon his comments, claiming they undermined the Congress's opposition to the LDF government. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan supported Tharoor's statement, remarking, "It is about Kerala, not about any political party or government. All Keralites should feel proud of our growth amidst heavy odds. There is no need to give any political colour to his words."

In response, the state Congress unit criticised Tharoor, warning that he must not let down the thousands of party workers ahead of the local body elections. Veekshanam Daily, the Congress's mouthpiece in Kerala, published an editorial stating that the party had been consistently opposing the LDF's shortcomings both inside and outside the Assembly, and it would be "suicidal" to weaken the party from within.

Before this controversy could subside, another uproar emerged over Tharoor's remarks during a Malayalam-language podcast with The Indian Express. His comments about having multiple options to spend his time were misinterpreted as a suggestion that he was considering political alternatives. He also had to refute claims that he had criticised the lack of leadership within the Kerala Congress, clarifying that he had made no such statement.

Amid the escalating row, Kerala Congress chief K Sudhakaran defended Tharoor, stating that his remarks were likely intended to strengthen the party. "As KPCC president, I will do my best to address any concerns and bring necessary corrections to the party's functioning," he said, reaffirming his support for the senior leader.

The controversy set the stage for a key Congress strategy meeting in Delhi, attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal, along with Sudhakaran, Congress Legislature Party leader V D Satheesan, Tharoor, and AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi.

During the meeting, Gandhi reportedly urged leaders to exercise caution in their political strategies and to refrain from making statements that contradict the party's official stance.

Following the discussions, Dasmunshi stressed the party's unity, stating, "We got a clear indication from our high command that the Congress is very much connected with the people of Kerala emotionally and politically. People are looking for a change, so we should not do anything that will disrespect the people of Kerala. This was a clear indication and if anyone (says) anything personally, we will take strong action. Because we have no right to disrespect the people of Kerala."

She also dismissed reports of discord within the state unit, asserting, "The media is giving a wrong impression that there is no unity in the Congress in Kerala, which is untrue. Everyone here has expressed strongly against the LDF and the BJP. The leaders are strongly united and they will speak in a univocal voice."

According to sources, the party leadership did not seek any further clarification from Tharoor, as he had already explained how his remarks had been misinterpreted.

After the meeting, Tharoor posted on X, saying, "A good meeting of Kerala Congress leaders today with Congress president Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi ended in a strong affirmation of party unity as we head into the election season."

(With PTI inputs)