Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has stirred controversy again by suggesting that he has other opportunities if the party fails to recognize his value.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Tharoor criticized the Congress in Kerala, warning that the party faces a leadership crisis and risks losing power for a third consecutive term.
“I am available if the party wishes to utilize me, but if not, I have my own commitments. It should not be assumed that I lack other opportunities,” he said, referring to his global engagements, books, and lectures.
Tharoor also pointed out that even non-Congress voters in Thiruvananthapuram had supported him due to his speeches and approach. He urged the party to engage with voters in preparation for the 2026 elections.
He claimed that multiple surveys had identified him as a suitable leader, reminding that he joined the Congress at the request of Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, and Ramesh Chennithala.
Political analysts believe Tharoor’s comments signal his ambition to be considered as a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.
His remarks follow controversy over an article where he praised the LDF government’s industrial policies, which some viewed as a challenge to his party’s position.
Meanwhile, AICC sources rejected suggestions that Tharoor is being sidelined.
“He was inducted into the Congress Working Committee after the presidential election. Claims of him being ignored are baseless,” a party official told media, accusing him of weakening the party with such statements.
