Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will not attend the party’s strategic meeting scheduled for Friday to discuss preparations for the Kerala Assembly elections, sources said. Tharoor is reportedly “hurt” over recent developments, including what he perceives as being repeatedly sidelined by the party’s state leadership.
According to sources, Tharoor was particularly upset after Rahul Gandhi, during a recent public programme, did not mention his name despite his presence on the stage. The incident, coupled with what Tharoor believes is a consistent effort by state leaders to marginalise him, has contributed to his decision to stay away from the crucial meeting.
The meeting is expected to focus on the Congress party’s electoral strategy and organisational preparedness in Kerala. Tharoor’s absence from the discussions is being seen as significant, given his stature within the party and his influence in the state.
Party leaders, however, have so far refrained from making any official comment on the matter.