The Congress party in Kerala has dismissed rumors of discord following Shashi Tharoor’s remarks praising the Left Democratic Front government. The party’s leadership, including Deepa Dasmunshi, emphasized unity during a meeting ahead of upcoming elections. Tharoor, having faced scrutiny for his comments, reaffirmed his commitment to the party while recognizing the progress made by the previous Congress administration. The party is optimistic about winning the 2026 elections.
In the aftermath of a contentious situation surrounding Thiruvanathapuram MP Shashi Tharoor’s commendations for the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government in Kerala, the state Congress unit has publicly reaffirmed its unified stance. The declaration, made by Congress’ Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi alongside Mr. Tharoor, followed a comprehensive brainstorming assembly with state leaders ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections scheduled for next year.
The meeting, held just a day after Mr. Tharoor addressed the media regarding his comments suggesting he had multiple “options to spend my time,” aimed to dispel any interpretations regarding his political affiliations outside Congress. Ms. Dasmunshi emphasized that Tharoor clarified his remarks, stating, “There is no confusion on that… action will be taken against anyone crossing the party line.”
Additionally, party leader Ramesh Chennithala reinforced the party’s solidarity, asserting, “Everybody will be united and fight for the people of Kerala as the state government has failed on all fronts.” He expressed confidence that the Congress-led United Democratic Front would reclaim power in the 2026 elections.
The extensive meeting, lasting nearly three hours, included key figures such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary KC Venugopal, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi. Subsequently, President Kharge shared visuals from the gathering, stating, “Change is inevitable in Kerala… We will do everything possible to bring our UDF to power.”
Mr. Tharoor faced backlash earlier for his remarks praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit, indicating positive outcomes for Indians. He later published an article commending certain achievements of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, while also attributing credit to former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for laying the foundation of progress in the startup sector. He defended his stance, noting that he could not “always speak in terms of party interest.”
The Congress party in Kerala has clarified that it remains unified amid the controversy involving Shashi Tharoor’s remarks praising the Left government. Key leaders have reinforced their commitment to contest the upcoming elections unitedly. Mr. Tharoor’s earlier comments about his political options and praise for the government have been met with mixed reactions, yet the party is focused on consolidating their approach ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
