Shashi Tharoor's Future in Congress Uncertain After Leadership Rift

The Congress MP's comments on Kerala's governance and leadership vacuum have fueled speculation about his political trajectory.

Shashi Tharoor, a four-time Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, has expressed dissatisfaction with the party, citing a leadership vacuum in Kerala Congress.
Tharoor's praise for Kerala's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drawn criticism from Congress leaders, who accuse him of undermining the party.
The Congress high command has rejected Tharoor's offer to lead the party as a chief ministerial candidate in Kerala's 2026 elections, adhering to its tradition of not naming a CM candidate before polls.
Amid rumors of a rift, Tharoor shared a photo with BJP Union Minister Piyush Goyal, further fueling speculation about his political future, though no formal moves have been announced.
Congress leaders in Kerala have been directed to remain silent on Tharoor's statements, while CPI(M) leaders have publicly welcomed the idea of him joining their ranks if he leaves Congress.