Is 68-year-old Shashi Tharoor, who reigns in the hearts of the youths, rebelling against the Congress these days? I don’t think so at all. He is a good friend of mine, and I know his nature very closely. Shashi Tharoor is a highly outspoken person who never hesitates in speaking the truth. His personality is so impressive that any political party would want to have him on its side — he is popular across party lines. Despite this, if he remains with Congress, it is because of his deep understanding of the party’s core principles. Speaking the truth can never be considered a rebellion!
When Shashi Tharoor contested for the post of Congress president, his aim was to attract the youths and infuse new energy and vigour into the party. Many people still believe that if Tharoor had become the president of the party, Congress’ position would have been entirely different. We are all well aware of Tharoor’s multifaceted personality — he stands out in a crowd. Yet, if he feels that the party is not making proper use of his abilities and that he has been sidelined after contesting the party president’s post, this is a great loss for the Congress itself. I have no hesitation in saying that Congress currently lacks a leader of Tharoor’s stature. He understands not only the pulse of the country but is also not aloof to that of the world.

Another remarkable quality of his is that despite being so knowledgeable, he never imposes his intellect on others. His behaviour is simple and humble. The idea of bringing Shashi Tharoor into politics first came to Dr Manmohan Singh. Since 2009, he has been consecutively elected as a Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram on Congress ticket. In Manmohan Singh’s cabinet, he served as the Minister of State for External Affairs and later as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development. Considering his capabilities, he should have been given a cabinet rank, but he never made such a demand. What deeply troubled him, however, was that a faction within Congress was constantly targeting Dr Manmohan Singh. This sycophantic faction could never tolerate Shashi Tharoor. He was also an active participant in Ghulam Nabi Azad’s G-23 group, where he raised critical questions about the party leadership. Naturally, this faction remains displeased with him even today.

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About two weeks ago, Shashi Tharoor called on Rahul Gandhi. He told Rahul that he was not being given the opportunity to speak during important debates in Parliament and that he was continuously being overlooked. What Rahul Gandhi replied is not known, but I have never understood how any party could ignore a leader like Tharoor. With a speaker of his calibre, the party could make a strong impact. From 2014 to 2019, Mallikarjun Kharge was made the leader of the parliamentary party, and from 2019 to 2024, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was given that role — when actually a powerful orator like Shashi Tharoor was present in the House! Just recall the moment when Tharoor stood at Oxford and delivered a fact-based speech on Britain’s exploitation of India — the entire nation applauded! That’s because he speaks with solid facts.

In the past few years, Congress has made many internal changes. Recently, two new general secretaries were appointed, and several state in-charges were reshuffled. Yet, there was neither a place for Tharoor, nor was it contemplated. In fact, the All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC), which was entirely his creation, was taken away from him!
Shashi Tharoor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US recently, calling it a success. He wrote, “Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump has resulted in some important outcomes that are beneficial for the people of our country. I believe something positive has been achieved, and as an Indian, I appreciate it. I have spoken entirely in the national interest in this matter.”

Earlier, he had also praised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In one of his articles, he commended Kerala’s leftist government, stating that the state was well-positioned to lead India’s technological and industrial transformation.
These statements caused outrage within the Congress. Amid this controversy, Tharoor responded, saying, “I am with Congress, but if the party does not need me, I also have options.” Tharoor speaks with such confidence because of his strong grassroot support. His victory from the Thiruvananthapuram parliamentary seat, even during the Modi wave, proves his strong connection with the electorate. He wants Congress to contest next year’s Kerala Assembly elections under his leadership to ensure victory. But does the party care?

I keep wondering as to why the Congress, which was once the heartbeat of the nation, has not returned to power in Tamil Nadu for 58 years, in West Bengal for 48 years, in Kerala for 41 years, in Uttar Pradesh for 36 years, in Bihar for 35 years, in Gujarat for 30 years, and in Odisha for 25 years! In Delhi, the party has been wiped out. It is out of power in Punjab. In Maharashtra, the party is in shambles. What has happened to the Congress? Millions of party workers are asking the same question. But does the top leadership ever reflect on this? Answering this question is difficult! For now, pay heed to what Shashi Tharoor recently posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Where ignorance is bliss, ’Tis folly to be wise.’’

The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.