Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kerala for the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport turned politically charged on Sunday, with a pointed remark aimed at Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sparking renewed interest in the senior leader’s evolving role within his party.
During his address at the high-profile event, Prime Minister Modi directly referenced Tharoor, suggesting that the Congress leader's presence would be unsettling for some.
"Today, Shashi Tharoor is sitting here. Today's program will disturb the sleep of some people. The message has gone wherever it had to go," PM Modi said from the stage.
The remark, though light in tone, marked a rare moment of direct acknowledgment across party lines, as Tharoor, a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, shared the stage with the Prime Minister. The exchange has gained significance amid recent speculation over Tharoor’s standing within the Congress, particularly in Kerala, where he has been increasingly vocal about internal party issues.
Tharoor’s decision to personally receive the Prime Minister at Thiruvananthapuram airport earlier in the day did not go unnoticed. Despite delays caused by what he described as a “dysfunctional” Delhi airport, the Congress MP made it to his constituency in time for the arrival.
"Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency," Tharoor posted on X (formerly Twitter), alongside a photograph of him welcoming the Prime Minister.
Tharoor’s growing political independence has raised eyebrows within the Kerala Congress unit. He has openly criticised what he calls a “leadership vacuum” in the party’s state leadership and has sought meetings with top national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to discuss his political future. However, no definitive outcomes from those discussions have been made public.
The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to note Tharoor’s occasional praise for the Modi government. In March, newly appointed BJP Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar lauded Tharoor for his comments on India’s vaccine diplomacy and its response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"They have become enlightened," Chandrasekhar remarked, thanking Tharoor and others in the Congress for what he described as recognition of the government's accomplishments. He also recalled Tharoor's past description of PM Modi as a "much tougher negotiator," following remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. “Better late than never,” he added.
While Tharoor’s article on India’s vaccine diplomacy did not name Modi directly, many observers viewed it as a tacit endorsement. “India’s efforts were appreciated, enhancing its reputation as a responsible global leader,” he wrote.
The Congress party has attempted to present a united front in the face of rising speculation. Rahul Gandhi recently posted a silhouette of Kerala Congress leaders standing together—seemingly including Tharoor—with the caption: "They stand as one."
Tharoor, for his part, insists that his statements have often been misinterpreted and maintains that he remains committed to the Congress and its values. However, he has not ruled out exploring "other options" should the party decide he no longer has a place within it.
Sunday’s inauguration event itself was significant beyond the political undertones. The Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed under a public-private partnership by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, is one of India’s largest infrastructure initiatives, built at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore. The port is expected to serve as a major transhipment hub, bolstering India's presence in global maritime trade.
Prime Minister Modi arrived at the port site by helicopter and was seen walking through the facility in a hard hat as officials briefed him on the progress and operations.
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