Kerala Congress Unease Deepens as Tharoor Stays “Unapologetic” on Op Sindoor, Skips Key Poll Meet

Kozhikode |24 January 2026 Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has once again found himself at the centre of political discussion after missing a crucial Congress meeting on Kerala’s assembly election strategy in New Delhi. The absence has sparked fresh speculation about growing differences between Tharoor and the party leadership, especially with elections in the state expected by May 2026. Tharoor, however, has firmly stated that he has never violated the party line in Parliament and remains “unapologetic” about his views on national security, particularly Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, where he was attending a session related to his book on Sree Narayana Guru, Tharoor addressed questions about his disagreements with the party leadership. Without naming anyone, he said his stance on backing strong action against terrorism was based on principle. Referring to the response after the Pahalgam terror attack, he reiterated that his call for a “kinetic response” was later reflected in the government’s actions under Operation Sindoor. He clarified that his only public disagreement in principle was over how Operation Sindoor was viewed politically. Emphasising the primacy of national interest, Tharoor invoked Jawaharlal Nehru’s words, asking, “Who lives if India dies?”, and stressed that political differences should not overshadow national security. “When India is at stake.. India comes first,” he said, making it clear that his views were guided by concern for the country rather than party politics. His comments come amid criticism from within the Congress, where some leaders believe his position differed from the party’s broader attack on the BJP over security lapses and the ceasefire following Op Sindoor. The controversy has also been linked to a recent Congress event in Kochi. According to sources, Tharoor felt “deeply insulted” after party leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly did not acknowledge him while naming other senior leaders on the dais. Tharoor was present at the event and is one of the Congress Working Committee members from Kerala, adding to the sense of being sidelined. While the party officially maintained that his absence from the Delhi meeting was due to prior commitments, insiders described the Kochi episode as a tipping point. Interestingly, while skipping the Congress strategy meeting chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Tharoor did attend a government event in Thiruvananthapuram where Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off new trains. This contrast has further fuelled political chatter, even as Tharoor’s office stated that he had informed the party in advance about his inability to attend the Delhi meeting due to the literature festival. As Kerala heads toward a high-stakes election with a likely triangular contest between the Congress-led UDF, the CPI(M)-led LDF, and a more aggressive BJP-led NDA, the internal tensions within the Congress are becoming harder to ignore. While there is an understanding within the UDF that Tharoor may not contest the polls and instead campaign across the state, his recent remarks and repeated absences underline unresolved differences that could influence the party’s preparations in the months ahead. Congress Event Sparks Quiet Discomfort as Tharoor’s Absence Draws Attention A recent Congress event in Kochi has triggered fresh discussion within the party, after senior leader Shashi Tharoor was reportedly not acknowledged during the programme. The moment, though subtle, did not go unnoticed and soon became a topic of internal conversation, highlighting the delicate dynamics within the party’s leadership. According to sources, Tharoor felt “deeply insulted” after party leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly did not mention him during his address, despite Tharoor’s presence and contribution in Kerala politics. While no public statement was made by Tharoor, the development added to the ongoing chatter about internal communication gaps. Party insiders suggest that the issue is less about a single event and more about a growing sense of unease among some leaders. Observers say such moments, even if unintentional, can leave a lasting impact and need careful handling to maintain unity and morale within the organisation. The Congress leadership has not officially reacted to the reports, but the episode has once again underlined the importance of inclusiveness and acknowledgment in political messaging. As the party prepares for upcoming challenges, how it manages internal sensitivities may play a key role in shaping its future course.