Blurb:
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, dismissing speculation of internal differences as routine interaction.
New Delhi
Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament, firmly brushing aside speculation of a rift within the party and describing the interaction as routine.
Ahead of the meeting in New Delhi, Tharoor downplayed media chatter suggesting internal discord within the Congress. Speaking to reporters, he questioned the basis of such speculation and stressed that meeting senior party leaders was a normal part of parliamentary and party functioning. I am going to attend Parliament right now. When it happens, I will let you know. What is so unusual about meeting my own party leader? Tharoor said, dismissing suggestions of any political significance attached to the meeting.
The interaction took place amid ongoing discussions within the Congress over organisational matters, parliamentary strategy, and preparations for upcoming political challenges. In recent weeks, speculation had surfaced in political circles and sections of the media about differences between Tharoor and the party leadership, particularly following his comments on various policy and political issues. However, the senior Congress leader has consistently rejected the notion of any internal rift.
Following the meeting, Tharoor took to social media to underline the unity within the party and to clarify the outcome of the discussions. Thanks to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and LOP Rahul Gandhi for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India, he posted.
Party sources described the meeting as cordial and wide-ranging, covering parliamentary business, national political developments, and the Congress’s role as the principal opposition. They said such interactions are part of regular consultations among senior leaders and should not be read as extraordinary.
The Congress leadership has, in recent months, emphasised internal cohesion as the party seeks to strengthen its organisational structure and sharpen its opposition to the ruling government. Both Rahul Gandhi and Kharge have repeatedly stressed the importance of collective leadership and open dialogue within the party.