19 hours Ago
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: AICC appears unwilling to adopt a diplomatic stance toward Congress MP Shashi Tharoor . Despite discussions with a disgruntled Tharoor, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi declined to address any of his grievances or suggestions. Sources indicate that the AICC is no longer inclined to take a lenient approach with Tharoor.
Tharoor had asked Rahul to specify the role he is to play in the party. During their discussion in Delhi a couple of days ago, Tharoor expressed deep dissatisfaction over being sidelined within the party. It is learnt that he is unhappy with the discussion as Rahul was not ready to make a commitment.
AICC was upset with Tharoor for deviating from the party's stance on issues like the PM's visit to the US and his meeting with US President Donald Trump. The recent article in which he praised the industrial growth under LDF govt had created unrest within the party in Kerala. It is learnt that Tharoor is not ready to concede to the party line since he feels that he is not getting due recognition.
During his meeting with Rahul, Tharoor is learnt to have expressed his deep dissatisfaction over the way he was removed from the charges of All India Professional Congress, which he had formed. He also protested over the way he is being sidelined inside the Parliament during major debates as he is denied opportunities. Tharoor told Rahul that he was capable of handling the party's leadership in the Parliament.
He did not protest since Rahul was made the Parliamentary party leader. Tharoor also wanted to know from Rahul whether the party wants him to focus on state politics but Rahul was not ready to give a reply. Tharoor wanted to know if AICC has such intentions, then, what will be his role.
To this Rahul made it clear that the Congress does not have the tradition of picking a chief ministerial candidate before polls. Tharoor is unhappy with the way the discussion went since there were no concrete assurances from Rahul on the issues he raised. Though Tharoor had hinted at taking up the responsibilities of Congress' youth wing, Rahul was not ready to accept that.
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