'Shashi Tharoor is here... will disturb sleep of many': PM Modi's jibe at Congress
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pointed remark during the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala today has reignited discussions around Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s evolving political trajectory.
Addressing the audience at the high-profile event, PM Modi made a rare public reference to the four-term Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram. “Today, Shashi Tharoor is sitting here. Today's programme will disturb the sleep of some people. The message has gone wherever it had to go,” the Prime Minister said from the dais.
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. Looking forward to his officially commissioning Vizhinjam port, a project I have been proud to have been… pic.twitter.com/OoGHeS0Gbe — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 1, 2025
The direct acknowledgment comes amid weeks of speculation surrounding Tharoor’s standing within the Congress party, particularly in Kerala. He has increasingly projected himself as an independent force distinct from the party’s state leadership. His decision to personally receive PM Modi at the Thiruvananthapuram airport—despite delays due to what he described as a “dysfunctional” Delhi airport—has further intensified the spotlight on him. A photograph of Tharoor welcoming the Prime Minister has since gone viral on social media.
“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,” Shashi Tharoor posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Tharoor’s cordial presence alongside PM Modi comes as his relationship with Congress’s Kerala leadership remains under scrutiny. In recent months, he has voiced dissatisfaction with what he termed a “leadership vacuum” in the state Congress unit. Although Tharoor has met with senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to deliberate his future within the party, no definitive resolutions have emerged.
Earlier this year, in March, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the recently appointed BJP Kerala unit chief, had praised Tharoor for his balanced comments acknowledging India’s vaccine diplomacy and the government’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “They have become enlightened,” Chandrasekhar remarked, expressing gratitude towards Tharoor and other Congress leaders for what he described as recognition of the Modi government’s achievements.
Chandrasekhar also recalled Shashi Tharoor’s earlier remarks praising PM Modi as a “much tougher negotiator” following comments by former US President Donald Trump. “Better late than never,” he added.
Although Tharoor did not explicitly name PM Modi in his magazine article on India’s vaccine outreach, his words were widely interpreted as an implicit endorsement. “India’s efforts were appreciated, enhancing its reputation as a responsible global leader,” he wrote.
The Congress central leadership has meanwhile tried to project an image of unity. Rahul Gandhi recently shared a silhouette photograph of Kerala Congress leaders—seemingly including Tharoor—with the caption, “They stand as one.”
Tharoor, for his part, has repeatedly stressed that his statements have been taken out of context and that he remains committed to Congress’s objectives. However, he has left open the possibility of exploring other options if the party sidelines him.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport inauguration itself marked a major milestone. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore, the port is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures. Developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd under a public-private partnership, it is poised to become a key transhipment hub in international maritime trade.
PM Modi arrived at the site by helicopter, conducted a survey of the facilities on foot, and received briefings on operations while wearing a hard hat.
- With inputs from agencies
