KPCC Chief Critiques Shashi Tharoor's Media Comments

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (NationPress) The president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), K. Sudhakaran, expressed his disapproval of party member and Lok Sabha representative Shashi Tharoor for publicly criticizing the party.

In response to Tharoor's recent interview published in a National English daily, where he voiced criticism against both state and central Congress leadership, Sudhakaran argued that such comments should have been discussed in private party forums rather than in the public eye.

While addressing reporters, Sudhakaran stressed that as a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Tharoor must adhere to party discipline. “Given his significant role within the party, he has the potential to drive change from the inside. Public criticism is counterproductive,” he asserted.

Despite his disagreement with Tharoor's method of expression, Sudhakaran reaffirmed his support for the senior politician. “I have consistently backed Tharoor, and I will persist in doing so,” he remarked, adding that he tried to reach out to Tharoor but was unable to connect.

He expressed optimism that Tharoor would remain loyal to the party despite his critical comments.

Sudhakaran also pointed out that Tharoor's remarks were likely intended to bolster the party. “As KPCC president, I will endeavor to address any issues and implement necessary changes within the party,” he committed.

In a related note, veteran Congress leader and former KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala commented on Tharoor's observations, which hinted at a leadership vacuum in the Kerala faction of Congress and suggested the potential for alternative options.

Chennithala clarified that Tharoor's statements were made prior to his recent talks with Rahul Gandhi.

This follows rumors that Tharoor was dissatisfied with his meeting with the Congress leader. Reflecting on Tharoor's entrance into the party, Chennithala shared, “It’s true that I invited Tharoor to join Congress after his time at the United Nations. I even encouraged him to run for office in Palakkad, believing his presence would be advantageous.”

He added that Tharoor was invited to a KPCC plenary in Ernakulam, where he shared the dais with Sonia Gandhi, signifying his official welcome into the party.

“Since that moment, he has been entrusted with important roles, including serving as a Union Minister and being nominated as an MP four times,” Chennithala noted. However, he chose not to comment further on the controversy surrounding Tharoor's statements.

CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan remarked that the Congress leader himself had acknowledged the possibility of the Left Front returning to power in Kerala for a third consecutive term, attributing this to the Left government's focus on people-oriented policies and a favorable investment climate.

A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, conceded that while Tharoor's insights were valid, they should have remained private. “Without addressing these issues, the state and central leadership cannot expect Congress to succeed in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections,” he warned.