Tharoor Acknowledges “Differences” with Congress Leadership Amid Nilambur Bypoll Snub
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India – June 19, 2025 – Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor admitted to having “differences of opinion” with certain sections of party leadership after skipping the high-profile campaign for the Nilambur assembly bypoll in Kerala, among other missing campaigns. His statement has reignited the issue concerning the ongoing debates within the grand old party as to whether he remains close to the state and national top brass.
Missing from the Nilambur Campaign
The Nilambur by-election, being held now on June 19, 2025, was garlanded with massive campaigning by top Congress leaders, which included Wayanad MP and national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi. However, eminent and well-liked among party circles, Shashi Tharoor, was conspicuously absent. Sources close to Tharoor confirmed that he was not formally invited to the campaign, despite being in India from June 10 after returning from a trip abroad. “I do not go where I am not invited” , said Tharoor to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, emphasizing the case, as it was for him to go for by-election campaigns, just like in the Wayanad by-elections in 2024.
Congress Kerala president Sunny Joseph said Tharoor was absent, replying, “Shashi Tharoor didn’t go to Nilambur.” Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal noted, besides having expected Tharoor to come, he is aware of absences.
The Background of Internal Factions
This latest brand of development is not an isolated incident but the latest in the series of such happenings that point to a sort of rift between Tharoor and some sections of the Congress leadership. Most of the tensions simmered for a long period, only occasionally bubbling over Tharoor’s independent stand on various issues and also for taking up certain roles from the central government oftentimes without clear party approval.
One prominent instance cited by sources involves the controversy surrounding his inclusion within an all-party delegation made by the NDA government to visit foreign countries after “Operation Sindoor” (India’s military response to terror attacks). While Congress officially proposed other names for such delegations, Tharoor accepted the government’s invitation, saying his duty is to serve the nation’s interest. His public comments endorse India’s military response, even if they conflict with those of the party’s official narrative, inviting criticism from colleagues like Pawan Khera and Udit Raj, who sarcastically suggested that he join the BJP. Tharoor has consistently maintained that national interest remains his focus.
Positioning Tharoor with Internal Party Affairs
Speaking on Thursday, Tharoor recommenced his commitment to the Congress party and its values as well as workers, adding that he has worked closely with them for 16 years and considers them close friends and brothers. However, he openly does 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 public domain and have been reported by you (media). He indicated that he would address these differences internally and would speak more openly after the Nilambur bypoll results are declared.
This public acknowledgment of “differences” from a prominent Congress Working Committee (CWC) member highlights the challenges yet to come from with party unity. While in practice always denying any such attempts at leaving the party domain, statements or actions tend to show him in opposition to the traditional party lines which have been drafted toward the central leadership and some figures in the state.
Possible Consequences on Unity and Future Prospects
The snub in Nilambur to Shashi Tharoor and then his blowing in of “differences” is likely to further widen fissures in the Congress party. Those fissures are especially likely to develop in the state of Kerala, where assembly elections will be due next year early in May, 2026. Tharoor is seen by many as an aspirational face for the party in the state-filling across virtually all demographics. The greater the alienation of such a leader, the harder it will be for the party to sell itself for those coming elections.
Congress leadership is largely keeping away from engaging in open confrontation directly with Tharoor. However, it raises questions as to whether disciplinary measures might be undertaken or whether a clearer delineation of roles would be clarified within the organization. Immediate concern of the party, however, remains winning in Nilambur, which has been viewed as really one of the all-important “semi-finals” before state assembly polls. The results of this by-election will, together with what’s brewing around Tharoor, likely have a significant impact on the internal dynamics and the strategic course of the Congress in the months to come.
Reported by: Herohind News Desk
