Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), June 19 (ANI): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor claimed on Thursday that he was not invited to campaign for the party’s candidate in the Nilambur Assembly bypoll in Kerala, even though his name appeared on the official list of Congress star campaigners submitted to the Election Commission.
The list, dated June 2 and submitted by Congress General Secretary Mukul Wasnik, includes 40 prominent leaders such as KC Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. Tharoor’s name is placed eighth on the list, which was communicated to the Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, on June 5 for circulation among relevant authorities.
Responding to media queries about his absence from the campaign trail, Tharoor stated, “I did not campaign for the Congress candidate in Nilambur because I did not receive any invitation from the party.”
Addressing speculation about internal party differences, he said, “As you know, I have disagreements with the current Congress leadership. Some of them are in the public domain. It is better to sort it out within the party by talking to them directly.”
When asked whether his disagreements were with the national leadership or the Kerala state unit, Tharoor avoided a direct answer. “Today is not the time to talk about those issues as polling is ongoing. I wish to see my friend Aryadan Shoukath win. Some of my disagreements with party leadership are reported in the media, so it cannot be hidden,” he remarked.
Tharoor reaffirmed his long-standing association with the party, saying, “Congress party, its values, and its workers are dear to me. I have been working with them for the past 16 years and have seen their commitment, dedication, and idealism.”
The Nilambur Assembly seat went to a bypoll following the resignation of PV Anvar, an independent MLA backed by the Left Democratic Front, who subsequently joined the All India Trinamool Congress after parting ways with the ruling alliance.
According to the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, the Nilambur by-election saw a voter turnout of 70.76 percent by 5 PM. The polling process was reported to be peaceful and well-organized. (ANI)
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