Shashi Tharoor Refuses to Comment on Alleged Rift with Rahul Gandhi, Says Concerns Will Be Raised Within Party

Thiruvananthapuram/ Kozhikode: Senior Congress leader and Kerala MP Shashi Tharoor has declined to comment publicly on the controversy surrounding his absence from a key state party meeting. Reports suggest that Tharoor was reportedly unhappy with the protocol at a program in Kochi attended by Rahul Gandhi, which led him to skip the crucial party session. His absence has raised questions among party workers about the unity within the state Congress.

Speaking in Kozhikode, Tharoor emphasized that any concerns he has will be addressed directly within the party. “It is better to communicate concerns directly to the leadership. Several things are being reported in the media; some may be true, some may not,” he said.

Tharoor stressed that such matters should not be discussed on public platforms. “I had already informed the party that I would not attend the program, and whatever I have to say, I will say within the party. I have nothing to comment on regarding the Ernakulam issue,” he added. He also clarified that he had planned to launch his book at the event but had to postpone the launch at the Jaipur Literature Festival due to political commitments. This was the reason he decided to attend the event in Kozhikode instead.

The statement comes amid attempts by the Congress leadership to pacify him. Close sources indicate that Tharoor is reportedly dissatisfied with both state and central leadership. His distancing from meetings related to the upcoming Kerala assembly elections has raised concerns within the party. Following recent panchayat election results, the Congress hopes to regain power in the state, but Tharoor’s discontent remains a sensitive issue.