Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The divide within the Congress party widened as MP Imran Masood made a scathing remark about senior leader Shashi Tharoor, stating bluntly that Tharoor is “not a big part” of the party. The statement came after Tharoor skipped a crucial Congress poll strategy meeting in Kerala, choosing instead to attend the Kerala Literature Festival.
“Not a Big Part”: Sharp Words from Imran Masood
“Shashi Tharoor is not a big part. Nahi dikhe toh nahi dikhe, aisa kuch hai nahi (It doesn’t matter if he wasn’t seen),” said Congress MP Imran Masood, fuelling speculation over Tharoor’s standing in the party.
Tharoor Responds: Prefers to Speak Within the Party
Reacting to the controversy, Tharoor clarified he had informed the party in advance about skipping the meeting. “Several things have appeared in the media, some true, some not. It is better to convey concerns directly to party leadership rather than in public,” Tharoor said at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode.
Defends Stance on Operation Sindoor and Praise for PM Modi
Tharoor also defended his comments on Operation Sindoor and praise for PM Modi, which drew criticism from within Congress. “I have never defied Congress positions in Parliament. The only point of difference was my strong and unapologetic stand on Operation Sindoor,” he said.
Tensions Ahead of Kerala Elections
Tharoor’s absence from the party’s pre-election consultation triggered criticism, with senior leaders like Sandeep Dikshit questioning his relevance. The Trivandrum MP, however, asserted that his book launch at Jaipur Literature Festival was postponed due to political obligations, prompting him to attend the Kozhikode event instead.
