Shashi Tharoor, after 15 years in Congress, appears to be at a crossroads in his political career. Though he insists his “options” are non-political—books, speeches, and global engagements—politicians’ words often carry deeper meanings. Tharoor’s intellectual depth, eloquence, and four terms as the representative of Thiruvananthapuram give him significant weight in the political sphere. But as he navigates uncertain waters within Congress, his next move seems increasingly unpredictable.
Tharoor has made no secret of his frustrations with the party, particularly its uneasy relationship with him. Despite his popularity in Kerala, as evidenced by independent opinion polls, Congress has struggled to place him in a meaningful role either in New Delhi or back home. Rahul Gandhi and the party leadership have yet to offer him the kind of leadership position he desires, leaving him disillusioned. Now, reports of Tharoor’s rift with Congress, combined with his interactions with the Left Front and a selfie with a BJP minister, have only fueled speculation that he could be contemplating a shift.
Political experts have floated several possibilities for his next move: joining the BJP, aligning with the Left, or even launching his own political outfit. Tharoor’s ideological differences with the BJP are well-documented, with his staunch opposition to communalism and advocacy for social justice. However, Kerala’s political landscape is ripe for change. The BJP, which has struggled to make inroads in the state, could see Tharoor as a valuable asset to further its ambitions, especially as he is seen as a possible contender for the chief ministership of Kerala.
Yet, the prospect of Tharoor breaking away from Congress and carving out a new path isn’t far-fetched. Veteran journalist MG Radhakrishnan suggests that Tharoor might find a better career trajectory with the BJP, despite the contradictions this would entail. Others speculate he could explore regional outfits like AAP or TMC, which may be integral to the future of India’s opposition alliance. Tharoor’s appeal as a leader who rejects both the divisive politics of Congress and the BJP’s status quoist tendencies could resonate with voters seeking a fresh direction.
American writer Sadanand Dhume, meanwhile, sees a new political party led by Tharoor as a “breath of fresh air” in India’s political landscape. Such a party would challenge both the leftist economics and caste-based politics of Congress and the religiously charged politics of the BJP. While electoral success might be elusive, Tharoor’s appeal as a reformist leader could provide a vital counterpoint to the entrenched forces dominating Indian politics today.
As the future of Congress remains uncertain, Tharoor’s political options are wide open. Whether he chooses to remain within the Congress fold, jump ship to the BJP, or embark on the bold step of launching his own party, his journey could redefine the political discourse in Kerala and beyond. One thing is clear: Tharoor, ever the intellectual maverick, is not a politician to be easily dismissed or confined to traditional boundaries.
