Shashi Tharoor to skip key Congress meet over ‘insult’ at Rahul Gandhi’s Kochi event

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will not participate in an upcoming meeting called by the Congress high command to discuss the party’s preparations for the Kerala Assembly elections. The decision comes after Tharoor felt “insulted” at a Mahapanchayat event in Kochi, where party MP Rahul Gandhi was also present, sources said.

Tharoor’s absence from the key discussion meeting signals internal friction within the party ahead of the high-stakes state polls.

The Congress sources have indicated that he is currently upset with both the state and central leadership of the Congress, which has contributed to his decision not to attend the meeting.

Tharoor has reportedly conveyed his disappointment to close associates, expressing that the incident reflects a broader pattern of disregard for his contributions within the party.

At the Kochi event, issues arose with the seating and speaking schedule. Tharoor was reportedly told that only Rahul Gandhi would speak after him, but later other leaders spoke as well. The confusion over the arrangements was seen as a public slight, particularly given Tharoor’s seniority in the Congress.

Despite the initial instruction, several other party leaders addressed the event after Rahul Gandhi’s arrival. This deviation from the established plan reportedly added to Tharoor’s dissatisfaction, especially considering the perceived breach of protocol regarding the order of speakers.

The incident has sparked discussions among party cadres about internal discipline and respect for senior leaders.

During his speech at the Mahapanchayat, Rahul Gandhi did not mention Tharoor by name. Observers noted that this omission was notable given Tharoor’s prominence within the party and the state.

The lack of acknowledgement contributed to the overall sense of dissatisfaction expressed by Tharoor, the sources said.

While Tharoor will not be attending the Congress high command meeting, he is scheduled to participate in the Kerala Literature Festival today.

The Congress party has not issued an official statement in response to Tharoor’s reported discomfort or his decision to skip the Kerala elections meeting.