Shashi Tharoor Eyes CM Position In Kerala?

During a recent delegation visit to the USA, Panama, Colombia, Guyana, and Brazil, Shashi Tharoor assertively articulated India's perspective and exposed the troubling activities of neighboring nation. After his nomination, he hosted a mango and chat party for his close Malayali correspondents, where he openly shared his thoughts on various issues close to his heart source says. 

Among those present, a correspondent revealed that while Tharoor respects Rahul Gandhi, he has serious reservations about those around him, particularly Venugopalan, who exerts significant control within the party. Tharoor described Rahul as relaxed and bold with most leaders, except for a select few. He made it clear that during the upcoming Kerala elections, Venugopalan would work to limit his influence in the state source says. Tharoor, the sitting MP from Thiruvananthapuram, enjoys support from the state's populace. However, even party MLAs are wary of approaching him due to the palpable tension between the two leaders, with Venugopalan wielding more power within the party—an unsettling reality that no one wants to challenge for fear of jeopardizing their political careers. Tharoor referred to himself as a ‘persona non grata’ in Venugopalan’s circle source says.

Some analysts contend that if Tharoor were to switch allegiance to the BJP, he might gain a free hand during the state elections, positioning himself as a serious contender for the Chief Minister role, or facilitating his entry into the Rajya Sabha as either the Foreign Minister or Commerce Minister. There’s speculation that the RSS wants an ally in HRD Minister, and Tharoor could play a pivotal role in helping Chandrasekharan secure the Lok Sabha seat for Thiruvananthapuram in 2029 source says. As Tharoor approaches 75, he might opt to step back from politics and settle in the USA with his sons, as his sisters have also established lives abroad. With his mother aged 94, it’s a reasonable choice for him to enjoy a peaceful retirement focused on academics alongside family overseas source says.