Congress In Kerala Calls Crucial Meeting On Friday Amid Shashi Tharoor’s Rift Rumours

Amid speculations over Shashi Tharoor’s growing rift with the party, the Congress in Kerala has called a crucial meeting of party leaders. 

The meeting is likely to be held on Friday even as senior leaders of the party are set to be present, NDTV reported.

The development comes even as Tharoor, who seems upset with the Congress, has hinted that he has ‘other options’.

Earlier this week, Tharoor sent a message to his party that if Congress does not want his services, he has other things to do. “If the party wants me then I will be there for the party. If not, I have my own things to do. You should not think that I don’t have any option to spend time. I have options. I have my books, speeches, invitations from across the world for talks,” Tharoor told The Indian Express podcast.

On Tuesday, he fuelled rumours after he posted a selfie with himself, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and British Secretary of State for Trade Jonathan Reynolds following a discussion on the India-UK trade deal.

ALSO READ | ‘If Congress Wants Me…’: Shashi Tharoor As Selfie With Piyush Goyal Sparks Buzz

The speculations surfaced over his recent criticism of a leadership vacuum in Kerala Congress and a recent meeting with the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to discuss his role in the party. 

The report quoting sources said that a meeting has been called to discuss state election and the row over Shashi Tharoor, adding that the leaders will also focus on the importance of speaking in one voice. 

The assembly election in Kerala is scheduled later this year and Tharoor has staked a claim for chief ministership if the party is voted to power. 

ALSO READ | Shashi Tharoor’s ‘I Have Options’ Remark Fuels Rumours Of Rift With Congress

Tharoor, a former Union minister and a four-time MP, has upset his party by praising the ruling CPM government’s policies in Kerala and the state’s growth.