The Congress party has dismissed reports of division following Shashi Tharoor’s comments on the LDF government. Leaders, including Deepa Dasmunshi and Ramesh Chennithala, emphasized unity and commitment to contest the 2026 Assembly elections. Amid some controversy regarding Tharoor’s remarks, the party aims to present a united front against political opponents in Kerala.
In a recent meeting in New Delhi, the Congress party emphasized its unity amidst the controversy surrounding Thiruvanathapuram MP Shashi Tharoor’s comments regarding the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala. After a lengthy discussion among state leaders, Congress’ Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi, alongside Mr. Tharoor, asserted that the party stands united as it prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections next year.
The meeting addressed concerns following Mr. Tharoor’s remarks interpreted by some as suggesting alternative political options beyond Congress. Ms. Dasmunshi clarified, “What Shashi Tharoor ji has clarified has been done in a very straight manner and there is no confusion on that.” She stated firmly that all members of the Kerala Congress are against the LDF and BJP and emphasized collective action against them.
Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala echoed this sentiment, stressing unity among party members to challenge the Kerala government’s perceived failures. He affirmed, “Everybody will be united and fight for the people of Kerala as the state government has failed on all fronts.”
The meeting drew significant attendance, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary KC Venugopal, and prominent leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Mr. Kharge, in a post on X, reiterated the commitment to defeating both the “oppressive and communal” fronts in Kerala, underscoring the Congress party’s focus on bringing their United Democratic Front (UDF) back to power in 2026.
The controversy initially surfaced when Mr. Tharoor received backlash for commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States and later published an article praising certain aspects of the LDF government’s governance. While some Congress figures criticized his statements, they were also acknowledged by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as indicators of past achievements.
In defense of his commentary, Mr. Tharoor clarified that he aims to focus on issues rather than strictly political allegiances. He acknowledged the contributions of the former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy regarding Kerala’s startup landscape, stating that he takes pride in recognizing the developmental groundwork laid by previous Congress administrations.
The recent Congress meeting in New Delhi aimed to dispel concerns regarding divisions caused by Shashi Tharoor’s remarks about the LDF government. Party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity against political adversaries while also addressing Tharoor’s commendations. The collective resolve displayed by Congress leaders signals preparation for a robust electoral campaign as they seek to regain power in Kerala’s upcoming Assembly elections.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
