Shashi Tharoor In Spotlight

Shashi Tharoor, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a senior Congress leader representing Thiruvananthapuram, is currently garnering significant media attention, overshadowing External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar source says. Tharoor is leading a delegation of Members of Parliament and other officials on a critical mission to the United States and several other nations, aiming to shed light on the insidious activities of a neighbouring country, according to sources.

While Jaishankar is also on a diplomatic tour across Europe for similar endeavours, the scale of media coverage surrounding Tharoor's team is notably greater. This disparity in attention appears to stem not only from Tharoor's compelling communication style but also from the discordance between his statements and the official position of his party, creating a stir within Congress circles source says.

The party now finds itself in a quandary. Should it highlight these events as the failures of the ruling party's representatives, who have seemingly struggled to effectively communicate their stance? Or should it consider the possibility that Tharoor might be charting a different path, perhaps eyeing a shift to the BJP upon his return?

Notably, while Tharoor's group captures the spotlight, the other seven delegations travelling to various countries are receiving minimal, if any, media coverage source says. Congress seems torn, simultaneously applauding the presence of such a talented leader within their ranks while grappling with the reality that despite the ruling party’s lofty claims about its leaders, the outcomes have not met heightened expectations. The ultimate decision regarding Tharoor's political alignment and his potential shift will only reveal itself upon his return, leaving both allies and sceptics alike in suspense source says.