Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Shashi Tharoor’s attendance at the state banquet honoring visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin has reignited longstanding tensions between the Thiruvananthapuram MP and the Congress leadership, providing the BJP-led NDA government yet another chance to deepen the divide. Nevertheless, as reported by NDTV, the seasoned Congress figure appears disinclined to sever ties with his party at this stage, regardless of the situation.

In a candid discussion with NDTV, when asked if he was contemplating a significant shift, Tharoor replied, "...I don't understand why this question arises. I am a Congress MP. I made considerable efforts to secure my election. It would require substantial reflection and numerous factors to consider before I could be anything else."

Tharoor emphasized his duty to serve his constituents, asserting that he is committed to meeting their needs.

"During some discussions before we all convened for dinner, I was advocating for certain initiatives for my constituency with officials from our own government. This is a fundamental aspect of ensuring progress for your people and your voters—it's about political responsibility," Tharoor stated.

Despite his intentions, sources from the AICC revealed that the Congress central leadership was “not satisfied” with Tharoor's decision to attend the prominent event without prior consultation with the party.

AICC spokesperson Pawan Khera publicly intensified the critique, asserting that both those who extended the invitation and those who accepted must be ready to face questions.

Khera added that he personally would not have participated in a banquet that excluded key opposition leaders.

Notably, neither Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, nor Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, received invitations to the event, prompting the Congress to voice its discontent earlier on Friday.

Nevertheless, Tharoor defended his attendance by stating he was there in an official capacity, as he was invited in his role as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs—a position that the government can utilize independently of party affiliations.

The gathering, which saw the presence of Prime Minister Modi and senior Union ministers, enhanced Tharoor’s visibility on a national scale, placing him in a sensitive situation within his party.

For several months, Tharoor and the Congress leadership have engaged in a political game of cat-and-mouse.

The tension traces back to his decision to run for the Congress presidential election—an endeavor that, although unsuccessful, significantly elevated his profile both within and beyond the party.

Since that time, the Modi government has strategically highlighted Tharoor’s institutional roles, from assigning him to lead a parliamentary delegation to the US following 'Operation Sindoor' to featuring him in high-profile diplomatic events.

Congress leaders are concerned that these actions are designed to showcase the growing distance between Tharoor and the party’s top leadership.

However, Tharoor, recognized for his composure and political flair, has refrained from engaging in direct confrontation.

His standing in Kerala remains robust; local leaders, aware of his popularity and electoral success, have avoided openly criticizing him.

As the Congress prepares for crucial elections ahead, Tharoor’s independent stance—and the BJP’s attempts to exploit it—remains a narrative that the party has yet to fully address.