Congress Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor on Monday firmly stated that he has never deviated from the party line, responding to recent controversies triggered by his statements and articles. Speaking at the Lakshya 2026 leadership camp in Sultan Bathery, he emphasised that his views on various matters have consistently aligned with the party’s official position.
Tharoor highlighted that many controversies arise from incomplete media reporting. “When people read the full text, they realise the real issue,” he said, addressing criticism over his remarks defending senior BJP leader L.K. Advani and quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He clarified that his comments were gestures of courtesy or citations from public events, not personal endorsements.
On questions about internal party elections, Tharoor said his candidacy for the Congress president’s post should not be misinterpreted. “I contested and lost. The chapter ended there. Many leaders have contested internal elections before, and many have won or lost,” he said, stressing the democratic nature of party traditions.
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Regarding the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, Tharoor reiterated that candidate selection would follow consultations with party leaders and MLAs. He expressed confidence in the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) prospects and underscored the importance of creating employment opportunities to boost Kerala’s development and attract investment.
Tharoor also spoke about the role of Congress MPs in state elections, noting that a few are interested in contesting, but final decisions rest with the party leadership. He reaffirmed his commitment to active participation in Kerala politics despite parliamentary responsibilities, citing his extensive campaigning during the 2021 elections, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite sharp criticism from party colleagues at national and state levels, Tharoor stressed that he remains loyal to Congress. He concluded by asserting that the party will stand united with the people of Kerala, and he remains focused on promoting both economic growth and political stability in the state.
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