'Where ignorance is...': Tharoor's cryptic post amid reports of rift
What's the story
Amid reports of a rift with his party, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor shared a cryptic post on X, formerly Twitter.
"Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise," he wrote, quoting English poet Thomas Gray's poem Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College.
"Thought of the day," he captioned the post.
The post comes after reports of tension over an article where Tharoor praised Kerala's government policies and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit.
Twitter Post
Shashi Tharoor on X
Thought for the day! pic.twitter.com/hXDxn9p0rv
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 22, 2025
Stance explanation
Tharoor clarifies stance on praising government policies
Tharoor has since clarified his position on the controversial article, saying he believes in acknowledging good governance irrespective of party lines.
"For 16 years, I have been in politics. My attitude has been that when somebody in the government...does the right thing or does something well, one should acknowledge and praise it," he told news agency ANI.
He added that his article highlighted Kerala's entrepreneurial growth per the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024.
Role clarity
Tharoor expresses dissatisfaction with role in Congress
Reports also suggest that Tharoor is unhappy with his role within the Congress and feels sidelined. He also reportedly expressed displeasure over his removal from the All India Professional Congress that he had formed.
A Times of India report had said that he sought clarity from Rahul Gandhi regarding his position but got no definitive answers.
Despite these speculations, Tharoor described his meeting with Gandhi as "very good" without disclosing details.
Election strategy
Tharoor highlights need for Congress to expand voter base
In an interview to The Indian Express, Tharoor emphasized that Congress must widen its voter base for the 2026 Kerala assembly elections.
He cautioned that depending on committed voters alone could lead to another term in opposition.
Tharoor also hinted at having "other options" if his leadership wasn't needed by Congress, referring to his books and global speaking invitations.
Future uncertainty
Tharoor expresses concerns over future with Congress
Tharoor raised concerns over his removal from the All India Professional Congress and asked if he should concentrate on Kerala before the 2026 elections.
He also asked to be declared the chief ministerial candidate for Kerala but Gandhi told him that no candidate would be announced before election results.
Despite all this, Tharoor insisted he hadn't complained about being sidelined in the party, telling reporters, "I have never made any complaint against anyone."