2. Tharoor at the Brink: Will a Political Earthquake Rock Congress Before Kerala Polls?
Tharoor Parliamentary Rebellion -In a move that has sent shockwaves through India’s political circles, senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor publicly broke ranks with his party during the fiery Operation Sindoor debate in Parliament. His statement – “I support the Govt on this matter”, was not just a deviation from the Congress line; it was a thunderclap that echoed across the Lok Sabha and beyond. With the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections looming, speculation is rife: is Tharoor preparing to deliver a massive jolt to the Congress by switching sides to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)?
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The Flashpoint: Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military strike following the Pahalgam terror attack, has become a litmus test for political allegiance. While the Congress has criticized the government over alleged intelligence lapses and questioned the international support for the operation, Tharoor has taken a markedly different stance.
He not only refused to speak on behalf of the Congress during the debate but reportedly declined the party’s offer to represent its position. Instead, he expressed interest in speaking on the Indian Ports Bill, a move that many interpret as a deliberate distancing from the party’s narrative. His cryptic response to media, “Maun vrat”, only added fuel to the fire.
Reading Between the Lines: A Pattern of Defiance
This isn’t the first time Tharoor has ruffled feathers within the Congress. From praising Prime Minister Modi’s handling of foreign policy to lauding BJP’s organizational strength, Tharoor has often walked a tightrope between party loyalty and personal conviction.
His public support for Operation Sindoor, including leading a government-formed delegation abroad to explain India’s stance, has reportedly strained his ties with the Congress high command. Sources suggest that Tharoor refused to “contradict himself for the sake of party messaging”, a clear indication that he’s unwilling to compromise his views for political conformity.
Kerala 2026: A Strategic Pivot?
Tharoor’s recent moves take on added significance in the context of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is gearing up to challenge the Left Democratic Front (LDF), but internal divisions and leadership vacuum have cast a shadow over its prospects.
Tharoor, a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, has hinted at his chief ministerial ambitions, stating that if the party doesn’t utilize his strengths, he has “other options”. His popularity, intellectual gravitas, and ability to appeal to non-Congress voters make him a formidable force in Kerala politics.
The BJP Factor: Courtship or Calculated Distance?
While Tharoor has denied plans to join the BJP, his praise for the party’s discipline and governance has not gone unnoticed. His selfie with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, once a vocal critic of Tharoor’s accent and elitism, sparked fresh rumors of a possible rapprochement.
Political analysts suggest that the BJP, which has made inroads in Kerala with the surprise victory of Suresh Gopi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, may see Tharoor as a high-profile catch to bolster its southern push. His crossover could help the BJP shed its “cow-belt party” image and appeal to Kerala’s urban, educated electorate.
Ideology vs Opportunity: What’s Holding Him Back?
Despite the speculation, Tharoor has consistently described himself as a “classic liberal”, opposed to communalism and committed to social justice. These ideological differences with the BJP remain a significant barrier. Moreover, he has emphasized his loyalty to the Congress, even as he critiques its internal dynamics.
Yet, politics is the art of the possible. With Congress leaders reportedly considering disciplinary action and Tharoor increasingly sidelined, the possibility of a dramatic realignment cannot be ruled out.
Final Thoughts: A Political Earthquake in the Making?
Whether Tharoor joins the BJP, launches his own political outfit, or continues as a maverick within the Congress, one thing is clear: he is no longer content playing second fiddle. His support for Operation Sindoor, refusal to toe the party line, and strategic positioning ahead of Kerala 2026 suggest a leader preparing for a seismic shift.
As Parliament debates national security, the real drama may be unfolding behind closed doors, where one of India’s most articulate politicians is weighing his next move. And if that move involves crossing the aisle, it could reshape Kerala’s political landscape and send tremors through the Congress party.
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