New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pointed remark about Congress MP Shashi Tharoor at the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has stirred fresh speculation about internal rifts within the Congress party and Mr Tharoor’s political trajectory.

1. PM Modi’s Sleepless Nights Jibe

While addressing the public during the high-profile seaport inauguration, PM Modi took a subtle swipe, saying, “Shashi Tharoor is sitting here. Today’s program will disturb the sleep of some people. The message has gone wherever it had to go.” The remark drew attention not just for its tone but also for the rare direct reference to a Congress MP in a favorable setting.

2. Tharoor’s Relationship With Congress Under Scrutiny

Tharoor’s presence at the event comes at a time when his position within the Congress, particularly in Kerala, has been a matter of debate. He has often distanced himself from the party’s state leadership, calling for a stronger and more coherent leadership model. Despite this, he maintains he remains committed to the party’s broader goals.

3. Tharoor Receives PM Modi at Airport

In an unusual but striking gesture, Tharoor personally received Prime Minister Modi at Thiruvananthapuram airport, posting on social media that he had braved delays at Delhi’s “dysfunctional airport” to be present in time. A photograph of the two greeting each other has since gone viral, fueling public speculation of a political softening between the two figures.

4. History of Tharoor’s Moderate Praise for Modi Policies

This is not the first time Tharoor has offered guarded praise for Modi’s initiatives. In March, he was lauded by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar for acknowledging India’s vaccine diplomacy and handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Tharoor once referred to Modi as a “tough negotiator” following a comment by Donald Trump, hinting at a more nuanced political stance than many of his party colleagues.

5. Congress Pushes Unity Amid the Optics

Trying to douse speculation, the Congress Party recently projected an image of unity. Rahul Gandhi posted a silhouette of Kerala Congress leaders—seemingly including Tharoor—with the caption: “They stand as one.” However, insiders suggest this was more about optics than actual consensus on Tharoor’s growing independence.

6. Vizhinjam Port: A Strategic Project

The Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd under a public-private partnership, is one of India’s most strategic infrastructure projects. Costing Rs 8,867 crore, the port is set to emerge as a global transshipment hub and significantly boost India’s maritime logistics capacity.

7. The Political Messaging Behind the Moment

With PM Modi arriving via helicopter and surveying the port site in a hard hat, the optics of progress and leadership were unmistakable. Tharoor’s presence and interaction with Modi at such a venue may serve multiple purposes—from regional message signaling to quiet diplomacy.

Mr Tharoor, for his part, has consistently maintained that his remarks have been taken out of context and that he remains committed to the Congress party’s goals. He has, however, not ruled out “options” should the party decide it no longer needs his services.

The port event itself was a high-profile occasion. The Vizhinjam International Seaport, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore, is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. The port is being developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd under a public-private partnership and is positioned to emerge as a critical transhipment hub in international maritime trade.

PM Modi arrived at the site by helicopter and surveyed the facilities on foot, wearing a hard hat as he was briefed on the operations.

Conclusion: A Crossover Moment or Calculated Gesture?

While Shashi Tharoor continues to assert his loyalty to the Congress, his increasing visibility alongside the BJP-led central leadership hints at complex undercurrents. Whether PM Modi’s remarks were playful or pointed remains open to interpretation, but the political reverberations are undeniable. With elections on the horizon and internal Congress discontent simmering, this episode may just be a glimpse of more realignments to come.

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