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January 31, 2026, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A clear improvement has emerged in the strained relationship between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress leadership in Kerala following a high-level meeting in New Delhi. The Thiruvananthapuram Member of Parliament met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, January 29, 2025, to address ongoing internal grievances. Following the discussion, Tharoor signaled a complete rapprochement, stating that all issues had been resolved and the party was now moving forward on the same page ahead of the crucial state elections.
The breakthrough led to an immediate official announcement on Friday, January 30, 2026, by V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly. Satheesan confirmed that Tharoor would be a star campaigner for the United Democratic Front and would play a leading role in the election drive. Describing Tharoor as a global citizen with a powerful connection to the people, Satheesan emphasized that the senior leader would be at the forefront of the campaign for the next two months.
The party has developed an extensive strategy to utilize Tharoor’s popularity across the state. Plans are currently in place to feature him in campaign events across all 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala. This move is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate support and present a united front against political rivals as the election season intensifies.
The recent friction had intensified after Tharoor was reportedly not acknowledged by Rahul Gandhi during a public event in Kochi. This perceived snub, along with his absence from several key organizational meetings, had triggered widespread speculation about his future role within the party. However, the successful resolution of these differences marks a significant shift in the party’s internal dynamics.
With the leadership dispute now settled, the Congress is focusing its energy on the upcoming electoral battle. Tharoor’s active participation is expected to bolster the party’s outreach, particularly in urban areas where he maintains a significant influence. The collective leadership of the United Democratic Front is now poised to launch a comprehensive statewide campaign with Tharoor as a primary spokesperson for their vision.
