Are Congress Leaders in Kerala Nervous After Shashi Tharoor Criticizes the Emergency?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's criticism of the Emergency has left Kerala Congress leaders uneasy. As party dynamics shift, can Tharoor navigate these turbulent waters while maintaining his position? Discover the reactions and implications of his pointed remarks in this developing political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Shashi Tharoor criticizes the Emergency, raising eyebrows in Congress.
- Veteran leaders question his loyalty to the party.
- Tharoor tops a pre-poll survey for Kerala Chief Minister.
- Tension exists between Tharoor and the Congress central leadership.
- Voter indecision highlights a leadership crisis within the UDF.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 10 (NationPress) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sparked controversy on Thursday by condemning former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi for the imposition of the Emergency in an article marking its 50th anniversary, leaving Congress leaders in Kerala feeling uneasy.
As soon as the article on the Emergency was published, veteran Congress figure and ex-legislator K. Muraleedharan bluntly challenged Tharoor to clarify “which party he currently belongs to.”
“Discussing the Emergency now is irrelevant. Notably, Indira Gandhi had her reasons for imposing it,” stated Muraleedharan.
Conversely, V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, tactfully withheld his comments on Tharoor.
“I will hold my remarks for now. As a member of the Congress Working Committee, I prefer not to react,” remarked Satheesan.
Veteran Congress member Ramesh Chennithala expressed he was unaware of Tharoor's Emergency comments, having not read the article.
On Wednesday, Tharoor also stirred the pot by sharing a pre-election survey from Mumbai's VoteVibe on his X account, which identified him as the leading candidate for the role of Chief Minister of Kerala.
The post, seemingly from a supporter, tagged senior Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi, and V.D. Satheesan.
“The Congress has many capable leaders who could serve as Chief Minister. A survey’s opinion is secondary; the Congress party will make the final decision,” added Muraleedharan.
“Once the UDF regains power, a UDF member will lead as Chief Minister. Tharoor should first clarify his current party affiliation,” he criticized, being the son of the four-time Chief Minister K. Karunakaran.
It is well-known within party circles that Tharoor's relationship with the Congress central leadership has been tense since he ran against Mallikarjuna Kharge for the party presidency.
This tension deepened when Tharoor was left off the list of Congress leaders chosen for the Union government's global outreach on 'Operation Sindoor'.
However, in a surprising move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Tharoor to head a delegation to the United States and other nations.
Upon his return, Tharoor acknowledged his differences with party leaders but expressed willingness for dialogue if requested.
A four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram since 2009, Tharoor led the VoteVibe pre-election survey with 28.3% voter support in the state.
That same survey indicated a leadership void within the Opposition UDF, with 27.1% of voters still undecided about the alliance's leader.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the shifting dynamics within the Congress party sparked by Shashi Tharoor's recent comments. His critique of the Emergency not only reflects his personal stance but also highlights an ongoing struggle within the party that may affect its future strategies and leadership choices. It's vital to stay informed as these developments unfold.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shashi Tharoor say about the Emergency?
Shashi Tharoor criticized the imposition of the Emergency by Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi in an article marking its 50th anniversary.
How did other Congress leaders react to Tharoor's comments?
Leaders like K. Muraleedharan and V.D. Satheesan expressed concern and chose to reserve their comments on Tharoor's stance.
What survey did Tharoor share recently?
Tharoor shared a pre-poll survey by VoteVibe that named him as the most preferred candidate for Kerala Chief Minister.
What is the significance of Tharoor's relationship with the Congress leadership?
Tharoor's relationship with the Congress central leadership has been strained since he contested for the party presidency against Mallikarjuna Kharge.
What are the voter sentiments regarding the UDF leadership?
A recent survey indicated a leadership vacuum within the UDF, with a significant portion of voters remaining undecided.
