Tharoor's Expulsion On The Cards? Congress In Wait-And-Watch Mode

Last Updated:May 19, 2025, 07:00 IST

While the Congress is dealing with MP Shashi Tharoor like a fish bone stuck in its throat, many powerful leaders are of the opinion that he should be let go

The entire brouhaha began with the government announcing a multiparty delegation abroad, which included Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's name. (Image: PTI/File)

The Congress has reconciled to the fact that its MP Shashi Tharoor will be leading the government’s multiparty delegation abroad on Pakistan’s cross-border activities and its conduct during the military standoff after the Pahalgam terror attack.

While the Congress is dealing with Tharoor like a fish bone stuck in its throat, there is something brewing among its ranks with many powerful leaders of the opinion that he should be let go.

The powerful lobby in the party feels that there have been numerous instances that the senior leader is playing the BJP’s game and, if he sticks around, he could damage the party’s prospects for the Kerala assembly elections in 2026. Also, having burnt its fingers with the exits of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada among others, these leaders are of the notion that it is best to make him leave before he springs a shock on them.

They also feel that Tharoor should have been more careful with his words and, on being part of the delegation, should have opted out or asked the party before agreeing to go for it. In fact, his post, immediately accepting and taking it as an honour to be nominated to lead the delegation, upset the Congress that felt he should also have tagged the party in his social media post.

The dilemma that the Congress now faces is that if it acts against Tharoor or even issues him a notice, it would give more ammunition to the BJP to go after it. To take any kind of action now may also erode the stand that the party has taken so far in total support of the Centre and its activities following the deadly terror strike, including Operation Sindoor.

Sources, however, told News18 that it is likely a matter of time before Tharoor is put on a notice period. It will closely watch him to see what move he makes next.

The sources further said Tharoor is a four-time MP and the party feels he has lived his time as a politician for now. But if he hangs around, he would only hurt the party in future, especially in Kerala, they said. The party will draw up a strategy in the next few days, they added.

News reviews Tharoor's Expulsion On The Cards? Congress In Wait-And-Watch Mode