Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s selfie with BJP MP Jay Panda has sparked controversy and speculation about a rift within his party. Mr. Panda jokingly suggested they were traveling in the “same direction,” to which Mr. Tharoor clarified that he was only a “fellow traveller” on his way to a literary festival. This follows previous tensions regarding Tharoor’s comments on Kerala’s economy and his interactions with political leaders. The Congress party strives to maintain unity amid these developments.
The recent selfie taken by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor with BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda has ignited controversy within his party, stirring rumors of discord. Tharoor’s previous commendations directed towards his political opponents in Kerala had already caused a stir, necessitating intervention from central party leadership to manage the situation. Mr. Tharoor appears to be mitigating further speculation regarding his political stance by emphasizing the casual nature of such interactions.
In the selfie shared by Mr. Panda, he playfully noted their flight together, implying that they were traveling in the “same direction.” Mr. Panda remarked, “My friend & fellow traveler called me mischievous for saying that we seem to be finally travelling in the same direction,” highlighting the lighthearted nature of their encounter.
Responding to the unfolding situation, Mr. Tharoor clarified his position by stating he was merely a “fellow traveller” on his way to the Kalinga LitFest in Bhubaneswar. He specified, “Fellow traveller only to Bhubaneswar! I am addressing the Kalinga LitFest tomorrow morning. And coming right back,” distancing himself from any political interpretations of their meeting.
This clarification follows remarks from Mr. Tharoor regarding Kerala’s economic scenario, which had ignited further speculation of a rift within the Kerala Congress. His praise of the LDF government’s economic management was met with resistance within the party, prompting accusations of presenting a “distorted” political practice. Tharoor defended his statements as acknowledgments of the state’s advancements.
After a report highlighted the shut down of over 42,000 MSMEs in Kerala over recent years, Mr. Tharoor retracted some of his earlier statements. Additionally, his comments on a podcast regarding having other “options” outside Congress sparked apprehension, although he later clarified they pertained to personal time, not politics.
A week after these events, Mr. Tharoor was seen in another selfie with Pinarayi Vijayan, the Kerala LDF leader, further fueling speculations amid the party’s attempts to display unity. The Congress party’s central leadership continues to support Mr. Tharoor, with Rahul Gandhi sharing assurances of solidarity through social media, posting that the party “stand as one.”
In summary, the selfie involving Shashi Tharoor and Baijayant Jay Panda highlights the complexities of political relationships and the delicate nature of public perceptions within the Congress party. Mr. Tharoor’s need to clarify his casual encounters with political opponents indicates a broader concern regarding party unity amidst internal disputes. As the Congress attempts to project stability, these interactions remind stakeholders of the intricate dynamics that exist within Indian politics.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
