Four-time Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor is known for his personal brand of politics that appeals to people beyond party lines. Perhaps it has to do with his stint in the United Nations as Under-Secretary General, which required a non-partisan attitude irrespective of one’s personal inclinations. He is a prolific and erudite writer, and his use of the English language is admired by many for its humorous touch. As such, he does not depend so much on his political affiliation for his celebrity status.
Even though he has been elected four times from a difficult constituency in a state ruled by another party than his own, he is considered a political lightweight, particularly by those within the Congress. Anybody who has been a Union Minister of State would be considered to have a national footprint, but he has not had much of a say in the functioning of his party, even when in the opposition.
It may be said that he has not asserted himself much and been content with being an MP with the leisure to pursue his literary career. Now, however, matters have reached a point where the very qualities that he is appreciated for – an academic objectivity – has angered members of his party, particularly in his home state of Kerala. His praise of the present CM’s governance and dissatisfaction with his role in the state party unit has triggered this response. Any other leader with his success in the political field would be consulted more about party strategy than he is at present.
On the other hand, other party leaders believe he has been ‘given’ more than his due, and a greater role is not for the ‘asking’. This is a reiteration of the party culture of nothing taking place without the blessings of the Gandhis. An interaction in this regard with LS Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not result in any kind of a breakthrough. It is reminiscent of the arrogant way Himanta Biswa Sarma was treated, leading to a chain of events that everybody in the country is familiar with. It is a sign of the tall poppy syndrome with talented leaders required to maintain a low profile and not shine in a way that puts the born leader in the shade. It seems that Tharoor has had enough of that. It is also possible that he is voicing the sentiments of his constituents. What remains to be seen is, if he jumps ship, where does he intend to land?
