CPM trying to keep Tharoor on its side; crucial discussion in Dubai?

Reports suggest that the CPM is casting its net for Congress Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor. There are indications that the party is attempting to capitalise on the rift between the Thiruvananthapuram MP and the Congress leadership, which reportedly emerged after Tharoor was sidelined at a recent party event attended by Rahul Gandhi, and is trying to woo him to the Left Front.

Unconfirmed reports claimed that a businessman close to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions in this regard with Tharoor in Dubai on Sunday. Tharoor arrived in Dubai on Sunday.

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The CPM has been attempting to woo Tharoor ever since his perceived discontent within the Congress party, following his alleged neglect at a recent Mahapanchayat event in Kochi.

The friction arose after Tharoor felt “sidelined” and “ignored” by Rahul Gandhi during the “Maha Panchayat” event in Kochi on January 19, 2026. Tharoor was reportedly not acknowledged by name by Rahul, following which he skipped a crucial state strategy meeting in New Delhi.

In his address at the Mahapanchayat in Kochi, Rahul Gandhi mentioned other Kerala leaders by name but ignored Tharoor. He is also said to have overlooked Tharoor while greeting leaders on the stage. Tharoor’s speech was allegedly curtailed to conclude just as Rahul Gandhi arrived on stage. Visuals of the incident have since been widely discussed on social media.

Meanwhile, Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener TP Ramakrishnan on Sunday said the front is ready to hold talks with the Thiruvananthapuram MP, provided he aligns with the Left’s politics.

Speaking to the media here, Ramakrishnan said the only condition being put forward is that Tharoor stands with the Left’s political stance. The LDF convener was reacting to media reports suggesting that Tharoor is getting closer to the CPM.

“As part of expanding the Left Front’s base, we are ready to accept parties, individuals, or groups if they are ready. Shashi Tharoor is not among them at the moment. He is a member of Parliament. We can also discuss with him if he takes a stance that is helpful to the Left’s political stance,” Ramakrishnan said.

Ramakrishnan also clarified that he has not held any discussions with Tharoor at the moment. However, Shashi Tharoor has not yet responded to this.

Tharoor, who is at loggerheads with the Congress national leadership, had earlier praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was also in the news for changing his party. While the Congress continues its efforts to pacify Tharoor, the CPM is making moves to keep Tharoor with it. The CPM is also aiming to avoid the possibility of the BJP taking advantage of Tharoor’s friction with the Congress.