New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday admitted to having disagreements with certain figures in the party's leadership but said he would not speak publicly about them until after the bypoll in Kerala's Nilambur constituency concludes.
Speaking to reporters, the Thiruvananthapuram MP reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Congress, its core values, and the grassroots workers he has been associated with for over 16 years. “The Congress party, its ideals, and its dedicated cadre are close to my heart. I have worked with them as friends and comrades for more than a decade and a half,” he said, as quoted by PTI and ANI.
Tharoor acknowledged that some of his differences with party leaders are already in the public domain, a fact well-known to the media. However, he refrained from specifying whether these were with the state or central leadership, stating that he would elaborate only after the bypoll results are announced.
When asked about his absence from the Nilambur campaign trail, Tharoor clarified that he was not invited to participate — a pattern he said was also seen during previous byelections, including in Wayanad. “I do not go where I am not invited,” he remarked, while expressing hope that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) would secure a win.
On his recent engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tharoor clarified that the meeting was limited to discussions on Operation Sindoor — India’s overseas missions — and was devoid of domestic political content. He defended his decision to lead one of the official delegations, saying it aligned with his role as chair of the External Affairs Committee in Parliament.
“I have always made it clear that on matters of national interest and foreign policy, I speak for India — not for any party. When the country called upon me, I fulfilled my duty, even if the party didn’t ask,” he said.
The Nilambur bypoll was triggered by the resignation of PV Anvar, formerly an independent legislator aligned with the Left Democratic Front (LDF), who has since joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following a bitter fallout with his former allies.
UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath voiced confidence about the outcome, accusing the state government of prolonged neglect of Nilambur. He highlighted ongoing issues like the lack of rehabilitation for tribal communities and a rise in human-animal conflicts.
“We are headed for a convincing victory. The people of Nilambur have faced years of government apathy. Tribal rehabilitation remains incomplete, and wildlife-related threats have grown,” he said.
