New Delhi, March 3, 2025 – Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has reaffirmed that the Congress leadership in Kerala is “united,” amid speculation of a rift between the party and senior leader Shashi Tharoor.
Gandhi shared a photo from a press conference held after a key meeting with the party’s top leadership in Delhi on February 28. “They stand as one, united by the light of purpose ahead,” he captioned the post, adding the hashtag #TeamKerala.
Congress Issues Warning Against Indiscipline
The meeting, attended by Tharoor, Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary K.C. Venugopal, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Kerala unit chief K. Sudhakaran, and others, reportedly lasted nearly three hours.
According to India Today, the Congress leadership issued a strict warning to its Kerala leaders, stating that disciplinary action would be taken against anyone making statements that contradict the party’s stance. Gandhi reportedly urged leaders to be cautious with their political messaging and avoid actions that could harm party unity.
Tharoor Responds to Rift Speculation
The meeting followed speculation that the Kerala Congress was unhappy with Tharoor’s past remarks, including his praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit and his support for certain policies of the Left-led Kerala government.
However, Tharoor dismissed the controversy, saying he still doesn’t “understand the issue.” Responding to media questions, he clarified that his comments were made in a 45-minute podcast discussing “life and the pursuit of happiness,” with no major political controversy involved.
With Congress leaders publicly maintaining a united front, it remains to be seen how internal dynamics will unfold in the lead-up to key electoral battles in the state.
