Shashi Tharoor’s Uncertainty: Shashi Tharoor’s journey in the Congress party has been anything but smooth. Known for his eloquent speech and expertise in foreign policy, Tharoor’s outspoken nature has caused repeated controversies within the party. Despite being a prominent figure, his actions and statements have raised serious questions about his future with Congress. Could his growing uncertainty signal the end of his tenure in the party?
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Tharoor’s outspokenness has consistently put Congress in a tight spot, forcing the leadership to issue clarifications or take corrective actions. From his praise for PM Modi to controversial remarks on Hinduism, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram has repeatedly stirred up tensions, leaving party leaders grappling with how to handle the situation.
Let’s take a closer look at the six major controversies that have put Congress in the spotlight and what lies ahead for Tharoor.
Tharoor’s Troubling Relationship with Congress: A Timeline
1. IPL Kochi Controversy (2010)
In 2010, Shashi Tharoor’s name was embroiled in a scandal involving the IPL Kochi team. Tharoor, then Minister of State for External Affairs, was linked to the controversy when it was revealed that his friend, Sunanda Pushkar, had a stake in the team. The opposition accused Tharoor of using his position for personal gain, resulting in public outrage. The pressure was too much, and Tharoor was forced to resign. This marked the first of many incidents that would spark uncertainty around Tharoor’s position within the Congress.
2. Praise for Narendra Modi (2014)
Shashi Tharoor’s praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 added fuel to the fire. Despite being a Congress leader, Tharoor repeatedly acknowledged Modi’s initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. While Tharoor argued that good work should be appreciated, his remarks were considered controversial by many within his own party. In response, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) distanced itself from his comments, and Tharoor was removed from his position as the party spokesperson. This was the second time the Congress had to clarify Tharoor’s statements, intensifying the uncertainty surrounding his loyalty.
3. Death of Sunanda Pushkar (2014)
In 2014, the tragic death of Tharoor’s wife, Sunanda Pushkar, threw him into the limelight again. Sunanda was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a hotel room in Delhi, and Tharoor was accused of abetting her suicide. The incident sparked widespread media coverage, and the Congress was forced to handle the fallout. Although Tharoor was acquitted in 2021, the episode damaged his public image and put Congress in a difficult position. The controversy left behind an uncertainty that still lingers over Tharoor’s relationship with the party.
4. Statement on Hindutva (2018)
In 2018, Tharoor stirred yet another controversy with a statement in his book, where he warned that if the BJP were to win again, India could become a “Hindu Pakistan.” This remark ignited a political storm, with BJP leaders accusing him of insulting Hindus and the Congress leadership distancing itself from his views. The timing of the statement, just before the 2019 general elections, was particularly damaging for the Congress, creating a sense of uncertainty in the party’s image.
5. Congress President Election (2022)
In 2022, Tharoor contested the Congress presidential election against Mallikarjun Kharge. Although Tharoor lost, his candidacy highlighted the growing factionalism within the party. During the campaign, Tharoor’s remark about Congress being a “family-run party” was seen as a direct criticism of the Gandhi family. His association with the G-23, a group of Congress leaders pushing for reforms, further deepened the divide within the party. Tharoor’s internal opposition to the party leadership raised more questions about his future in Congress and added to the uncertainty surrounding his position.
6. Praise for CPM and LDF (2025)
In February 2025, Tharoor once again found himself in the eye of a political storm. He praised the Kerala CPM government for its support of startups and business initiatives, which created discomfort within Congress. Tharoor also commented on the lack of leadership within the Kerala Congress. These remarks sparked a backlash, and the KPCC President, K. Sudhakaran, warned him to stay within the party line. Tharoor’s statement that he has “other options” if the party doesn’t need him further escalated the uncertainty about his future in Congress.
How Many Times Has Congress Been in Trouble?
Shashi Tharoor’s controversial statements and actions have put Congress in uncomfortable situations at least six times, from major controversies like the IPL scandal to more recent comments about Kerala politics. His uncertainty about his place in the party, combined with his frequent clashes with party leadership, has created an atmosphere of tension and confusion.
Party’s Reaction to Tharoor’s Outspokenness
Despite the controversies, Congress has never completely sidelined Tharoor. Even after his removal from the spokesperson post in 2014, he continued to serve in important roles within the party, including in parliamentary committees. In 2023, he was inducted into the Congress Working Committee. However, his outspoken nature has continued to create confusion within the party, with some leaders calling it a way for Tharoor to exert pressure to have his views acknowledged.
Rahul Gandhi, in an attempt to resolve the ongoing issues, met Tharoor in 2025, but Tharoor’s comments about having “other options” indicate that the Congress may not be his only political home. This uncertainty is raising questions about his future in the party.
What Do Congress Leaders Think About Shashi Tharoor?
KPCC President K. Sudhakaran stated that Tharoor will not leave the Congress but advised him to stay within the party’s boundaries. Ramesh Chennithala, another Congress leader, added that the party had given Tharoor several opportunities, and he should not overstep his limits.
Some Congress leaders believe that Tharoor uses these controversies as a pressure tactic to ensure that his views are taken seriously within the party. However, this strategy has often backfired, as it continues to put the Congress in an awkward position.
What Is the Way Forward for Shashi Tharoor?
The future of Shashi Tharoor in Congress is uncertain. Tharoor has expressed interest in running for Chief Minister in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, which could be his next political move. However, his recent remarks suggest that if Congress fails to acknowledge his contribution, he may choose to explore other options. The growing uncertainty around his position poses a challenge for Congress, especially as tensions within the UDF alliance in Kerala continue to simmer.
Tharoor’s ability to remain in Congress will largely depend on whether the party can reconcile his independent nature with its need for unity. His outspokenness and willingness to challenge the status quo could either make him a catalyst for change or push him towards a departure, leaving Congress to deal with the aftermath of his potential exit.
Will Tharoor Stay or Go?
Shashi Tharoor’s outspokenness and independent thinking have often placed him at odds with the Congress party. While he has been a valuable asset in terms of foreign policy expertise and his command over the English language, his actions and statements have caused significant turmoil within the party. As Congress grapples with internal power struggles and external challenges, the question of whether Tharoor will stay or leave remains unanswered.
Only time will tell if Shashi Tharoor will continue to be a member of Congress or if he will choose a different path. His future in the party will depend on whether Congress can accommodate his aspirations or whether Tharoor will once again create waves that push him toward a new political journey. One thing is clear: Tharoor’s next move will be closely watched, and it could reshape the political landscape in Kerala and beyond.
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