Even as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor continues to captivate social media with his intricate vocabulary, his position within the party appears increasingly precarious. Reports indicate that internal resistance against him is mounting, particularly among senior Congress leaders in Kerala, while his grievances remain unaddressed by the top leadership.

According to a report in The Times of India (TOI), Tharoor recently met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, seeking clarity on his role within the party. However, the discussion reportedly ended in disappointment, as Gandhi declined to make any commitments regarding Tharoor’s position. The Congress leadership is said to be displeased with Tharoor for his independent stance on several key issues, including his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States and his meeting with former US President Donald Trump.

TOI further reported that Tharoor expressed dissatisfaction over his removal from the All India Professional Congress (AIPC), an initiative he had spearheaded. His increasing discontent has fueled speculations about his future in the party, with his cryptic social media posts adding to the intrigue.

Meanwhile, The New Indian Express (TNIE) reported that senior Congress leaders in Kerala are growing increasingly uncomfortable with the attention Tharoor receives from the national leadership. They believe the party has granted him enough prominence and are critical of his reluctance to align with the party line.

“Tharoor hasn’t corrected his position even after Rahul Gandhi spoke to him,” a senior leader told TNIE. Additionally, his recent article appreciating the industrial growth under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala has fueled further dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks.

Party insiders have also criticized Tharoor’s limited participation in internal discussions. Despite being a member of the political affairs committee, he is reportedly perceived as a ‘guest artist’ rather than an active participant. Furthermore, his accessibility to party workers and constituents has been questioned, with some alleging that his MP office remains out of reach for ordinary people.

Although Kerala Congress chief K Sudhakaran is reportedly supportive of Tharoor, a majority of party factions remain opposed to him. As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how Tharoor navigates the growing challenges within the party and whether he will receive the recognition he seeks in Congress.