Tharoor: Meets Congress Leadership, Calls Talks Routine Amid Speculation
Tharoor: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament, describing the interaction as a routine engagement and dismissing talk of internal discord. Speaking briefly to reporters in New Delhi before the meeting, Tharoor said there was nothing unusual about consulting party leaders and indicated that such interactions were a normal part of parliamentary work.
Routine Engagement at the Start of Parliament Session
The meeting took place in Kharge’s chamber within the Parliament House complex and reportedly lasted for more than an hour. It coincided with the opening days of the new Parliament session, which began on Wednesday. According to sources familiar with the discussion, the conversation covered a range of political and organisational matters relevant to the session ahead. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal was also present during the talks, as per information shared with the news agency PTI.
Tharoor Responds to Speculation Before Talks
Ahead of the meeting, Tharoor sought to downplay speculation of a rift within the party. He told reporters that meeting senior leaders was part of his regular responsibilities as a Member of Parliament. He questioned why such an interaction was being viewed as unusual, adding that he would speak further only after the meeting concluded.
Message of Unity Shared After the Meeting
Following the discussion, Tharoor posted a message on social media expressing appreciation for what he described as a constructive exchange. He thanked both the Congress president and the Leader of the Opposition for their time and said the conversation covered a wide range of issues. According to his post, the leadership and he were aligned on the party’s direction as it continues its work in public service.
Background of Reports on Internal Unease
The meeting came amid recent reports suggesting discomfort between the Thiruvananthapuram MP and certain sections of the Congress leadership. Over the past few weeks, political circles have been abuzz with claims that Tharoor felt sidelined, particularly at the state level. Some reports also pointed to his disappointment over an alleged lack of acknowledgment by Rahul Gandhi at a public event in Kochi, fuelling speculation about his standing within the party.
Tharoor Emphasises Internal Dialogue
Addressing these reports earlier, Tharoor acknowledged that he had concerns but stressed that he remained firmly committed to the Congress’s positions in Parliament. He said differences, if any, should be discussed internally rather than aired in public forums. He also indicated that the ongoing Parliament session provided an opportunity to clearly convey his views to the leadership and to listen to their perspective in return.
Long Association With the Congress
A Congress leader for 17 years, Tharoor urged caution against reading too much into recent developments. He told PTI that issues, where they exist, need to be addressed through appropriate party mechanisms. According to him, the focus should remain on resolving matters constructively rather than amplifying speculation.
Remarks on Operation Sindoor at Literary Event
Separately, speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Tharoor reiterated his position on Operation Sindoor, saying he stood by his earlier views without hesitation. He recalled writing a column after the Pahalgam terror attack in which he argued that the incident warranted a firm response. Tharoor said that given his public support for such action, it would have been inconsistent for him to criticise the operation later. He added that he supported the move during its course and after its conclusion.