By Express News Service
The diplomat-turned-politician Shashi Tharoor has managed to allure his manner into the hearts of Thiruvananthapuram voters, successful the parliamentary constituency thrice in succession for Congress.
He enjoys a assist base that goes past the technique of his occasion. But his political profession appears to be going nowhere.
Amid rumours of events like AAP and Trinamool Congress wooing him, Tharoor talks to TNIE about his politics, equation with the Gandhis and future plans. Excerpts.
You are one of many few politicians within the state who imagine in and practise constructive politics. What is your imaginative and prescient for the state?
I do attempt to be constructive. There’s sufficient negativism round us, so I don’t need to add to it. I’ve been an enormous fan of the Kerala mannequin.
In my e book ‘India: From Midnight to the Millennium, I have compared Kerala’s social indicators to that of the US, mentioning how they had been parallel to one another. We have an amazing surroundings; we now have tremendously clever, well-educated individuals. But what’s unlucky is that our success story rests closely on three important sources of income — Gulf remittances, excise from alcohol consumption and tourism.
This might be very susceptible. Why is it that although the primary Technopark in India was arrange in Thiruvananthapuram, we now have remained a comparatively minor participant for a very long time? What we require is a authorities that focuses on progress; a progress that’s within the pursuits of the individuals. That is my imaginative and prescient.
(Photo | Vincent Pulickal, EPS)
Talking in regards to the growth, Vizhinjam port was your dream venture and also you had performed a major position in making it a actuality. But now, the native individuals, who occur to be your loyal supporters, are on a warpath towards the venture…
Vizhinjam port work has some real issues and a few man-made issues. Ours shouldn’t be a simple state to do typical growth work. Due to the 2 successive floods after which the Covid interval and lockdown, we’re a 12 months and a half delayed.
It is on this inopportune second that this specific agitation is occurring. Obviously, when the state authorities itself needs work to proceed quick, it can’t simply conform to such a requirement.
What precisely is the issue?
Coastal erosion is a significant issue in Kerala. I’ve been elevating this in Parliament for 10 years. It ought to be addressed. I mentioned in Parliament if China took two inches of our land, we’ll all be up in arms, saying this can be a nationwide problem.
The sea has taken 64 sq km of my constituency. This too is ‘Bharat Ki Bhoomi’. You can’t blame the coastal neighborhood for asking “who cares for us”. But I’m not sure in regards to the argument that that is due to the port development. The port development shouldn’t be that far superior.
Of the three.1 km of the breakwater that they must assemble, they’ve barely constructed simply over one km. So I can’t imagine that alone may cause this type of harm. Sea erosion is a actuality. But that has been attributed rightly or wrongly — I believe extra more likely to be unsuitable — to the port.
So you imply to say the ocean erosion shouldn’t be due to the port however because of the bigger climatic points?
I believe the declare that the harm is because of the port is price taking a look at by a panel of consultants.
The state authorities can represent a small panel of consultants who also needs to go and speak to the neighborhood representatives.
But, to truly perceive sea erosion points, there are consultants, worldwide in addition to nationwide.
Let them come and do a correct research. But that doesn’t imply work ought to cease.
The ongoing agitation has now taken on an anti-port air, some kind of an anti-development stance. Would you attempt to persuade Church leaders that the agitation ought to focus extra on livelihood issues confronted by the affected?
I’ve already instructed them. At a time after we are busy suing the corporate constructing the port for not going quick sufficient, how can the identical authorities inform them to cease work? I can’t converse for the state authorities.
My occasion shouldn’t be in energy in both Delhi or Kerala. What I’ve is a few affect and a few ethical authority because the individuals’s consultant.
Beyond that, the one one with authority to behave is the CM and the state authorities. So I’ve to place the ball of their courtroom. I’m not a buck-passer, however the truth stays that I’ve no government authority.
What drives Shashi Tharoor the politician? Is it political ambition or ideology? Don’t say it’s working for the individuals…
Working for the individuals (laughs) … Every week, as an MP, I’m able to ship outcomes to any individual. In a democracy, politics continues to be essentially the most impactful option to make a distinction within the lives of individuals. For that, in our system, you should have a automobile and the automobile right here is your occasion.
There I’ve definitely discovered our share of challenges. I’m giving all of it very severe thought as as to whether that is essentially essentially the most helpful factor I may very well be doing.
You had been a diplomat earlier than switching to politics. During your first tenure as MP, you had been a minister within the UPA-2 cabinet. But, you’ve gotten been ‘just an MP’ for the previous eight years. Do you are feeling any disappointment?
So, you don’t imagine within the dictum ‘never give up’? (chuckles…) Yes, we’re in a stage the place Congress shouldn’t be in energy both on the Centre or within the state. And, there are nice limitations on how a lot an MP can ship.
You might have concepts, and you might diagnose the issues and options, however I’ll concede that there are frustrations.
Plenty of individuals have been asking me why not flip my consideration to the state the place Congress is a severe contender for energy.
Does that imply that you simply gained’t be contesting within the 2024 Lok Sabha election?
No, no. All I’m saying is that I’m critically analyzing all of the choices earlier than me. It is the occasion that may determine whether or not to allot a seat to me or not.
If my occasion offers me a ticket to the competition, that may very well be one possibility. There are different choices too.
What precisely are the choices?
I don’t need to go into all that now. Once you go public, then they stop to be in your thoughts they usually turn into objects of public dialogue. I’ve not been any individual in my whole working life who has ever begged for one thing.
Equally, I’ve not been any individual who shied away from a possibility or problem to make an impression.
There are rumours that AAP and BJP are eager to rope you in…
Well, they aren’t the one ones… (laughs loudly) I’ve the good inconvenience of getting ideological convictions. So, events that don’t share the identical ideological premises might most likely not be a simple place for me to suit into.
So, can we rule out BJP?
I believe that’s fairly apparent. If I had been within the BJP, I wouldn’t invite Shashi Tharoor to return and be a part of.
What about AAP?
I’ve respect for a lot of events. In Delhi, we oppose the AAP. But I’d say a few of the work they (AAP) do is nice.
See, the service supply side; we noticed the identical factor in 2020 in Kerala. If you may ship service successfully to the general public, that’s not a nasty factor.
But do you suppose an “apolitical’’ occasion like AAP will be capable of make an impression in a deeply political state like Kerala?
The success of AAP will rely upon how effectively they’re able to tackle the peculiarities of Kerala politics. Let’s see…
What are the choices aside from AAP and BJP?
There are regional events having broadly the identical ideology as that of Congress as they could have damaged away in some unspecified time in the future in time.
It is troublesome to say that ideologically there may be an incompatibility. There are a number of events that share broadly the orientation of Congress relating to a blended financial system, international coverage, political democracy and freedom of the Press.
In that sense, all these events that subscribe to the identical ideology may very well be appropriate. But, proper now I nonetheless have hope that Congress would become the suitable automobile for advancing the dream of India.
You mentioned you need to be a part of state politics. Do you suppose you’ll be welcomed by Congress leaders in Kerala when you determine to shift base? There is already an issue of loads…
Congress is all of us; all of us who work in Congress are in Congress. Current state management has a superb relationship with me.
You had been a part of the G23. What is the present place? Are you continue to part of it?
Frankly, G23 is a media fable. It was a letter drafted by a few of our colleagues which a few of us had been invited to signal. It shouldn’t be a very coherent group.
They had been a gaggle of people that met, the composition of which shifted now and again and as you recognize one or two of the signatories are not within the occasion and a few of them have dissociated with it. I signed it as by and enormous I agreed with its contents.
One of the issues that wanted to be mentioned was that the occasion was too vital for the way forward for India to be allowed to float and that it wanted some severe institutional revival. That I nonetheless stand by.
Did you meet Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi after that?
I met Sonia Gandhi a number of instances after that and Rahul Gandhi a couple of times. Sonia Gandhi as interim president has not been inaccessible.
She definitely had well being points however she hasn’t been kind of absent on the management.
What’s your equation with Rahul Gandhi?
Frankly, relationships with people have their ups and downs. I gained’t go round claiming any specific relationship with anybody. I don’t badmouth anybody too.
I don’t imagine in enjoying this recreation of attacking individuals and when attacked, I’ll often smile and transfer on. I don’t imagine in this type of politics.
The election for Congress president is arising. Will you be a candidate?
Just watch for the elections to be introduced and see what the choices are. I’m not saying I’d essentially be a candidate. If the “heir apparent” chooses to not be a contestant, then others will come ahead and we could have set of decisions.
Congress didn’t return to energy in Kerala after serving a time period within the opposition. What went unsuitable?
There had been some organisational deficiencies on our half. Also, there have been some messaging points on our half. I don’t need to blame the number of younger candidates however I will surely blame our failure to call these candidates a lot earlier. If you place up younger faces, it’s best to give them three months, not simply three weeks, to promote themselves.
Was candidate choice the one problem? What about factionalism?
Factionalism has been most unlucky. But, I believe to a point it’s disappearing. There is a necessity for inside infusion of recent vitality to make this work. Mr Sudhakaran was meant to energise the occasion staff.
And I’d say Mr Satheesan can also be doing job as chief of the opposition.
We have gotten good issues going proper now which I believe will current a unique narrative in 2026.
Earlier there have been solely two teams. Now there appear to be many extra teams, together with the one led by Okay C Venugopal…
You know Kofi Annan used to inform me that there are not any silly questions, there are solely silly solutions. Let me not give a silly reply…
You mentioned in a current interview that given the chance you’d seize chief ministership.
Who wouldn’t? Wouldn’t you seize it? I’d take it up as a result of there are issues to be carried out.
How do you view the prospects of Narendra Modi in 2024?
There is little question that Mr Modi is common, significantly in northern India and the so-called Hindi belt. His occasion can also be effectively organised and by far the best-funded occasion. But, we now have some kind of immunity within the South in the direction of their messaging.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala have a unique orientation. They are usually not going to seek out it straightforward to make a significant impression in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Do you suppose there’s a risk of a 3rd entrance rising nationally?
One has to offer some severe ideas as as to whether it is sensible to create a 3rd entrance on the nationwide degree. We don’t have equal fronts within the nation.
We have to have opposition unity for cumulatively including up the numbers.
There is not any query that BJP as a celebration would be the single largest and strongest occasion. But something can occur and we must be ready for eventualities.
You share a superb rapport with Oommen Chandy…
I’ve an unlimited quantity of respect for him. I couldn’t be like him if I attempted. So I love individuals who do issues in a manner that’s exemplary.
He is a person who has his finger on the heart beat of the individuals. No chief in any occasion can declare to have a higher rapport with the individuals of Kerala than Oommen Chandy.
You additionally share rapport with Pinarayi Vijayan…
I believe he’s a really environment friendly and severe individual. In all points I’ve handled him, he has come throughout as a no-nonsense individual. If he offers you his phrase, it’s carried out. I’ve large respect for him.
Your political profession appears to be caught. Where is Shashi Tharoor headed?
Shashi Tharoor shouldn’t be more likely to keep in a rut for lengthy. Let me go away it there (chuckles).
The diplomat-turned-politician Shashi Tharoor has managed to allure his manner into the hearts of Thiruvananthapuram voters, successful the parliamentary constituency thrice in succession for Congress.
He enjoys a assist base that goes past the technique of his occasion. But his political profession appears to be going nowhere.
Amid rumours of events like AAP and Trinamool Congress wooing him, Tharoor talks to TNIE about his politics, equation with the Gandhis and future plans. Excerpts.
You are one of many few politicians within the state who imagine in and practise constructive politics. What is your imaginative and prescient for the state?
I do attempt to be constructive. There’s sufficient negativism round us, so I don’t need to add to it. I’ve been an enormous fan of the Kerala mannequin.
In my e book ‘India: From Midnight to the Millennium, I have compared Kerala’s social indicators to that of the US, mentioning how they had been parallel to one another. We have an amazing surroundings; we now have tremendously clever, well-educated individuals. But what’s unlucky is that our success story rests closely on three important sources of income — Gulf remittances, excise from alcohol consumption and tourism.
This might be very susceptible. Why is it that although the primary Technopark in India was arrange in Thiruvananthapuram, we now have remained a comparatively minor participant for a very long time? What we require is a authorities that focuses on progress; a progress that’s within the pursuits of the individuals. That is my imaginative and prescient.
(Photo | Vincent Pulickal, EPS)
Talking in regards to the growth, Vizhinjam port was your dream venture and also you had performed a major position in making it a actuality. But now, the native individuals, who occur to be your loyal supporters, are on a warpath towards the venture…
Vizhinjam port work has some real issues and a few man-made issues. Ours shouldn’t be a simple state to do typical growth work. Due to the 2 successive floods after which the Covid interval and lockdown, we’re a 12 months and a half delayed.
It is on this inopportune second that this specific agitation is occurring. Obviously, when the state authorities itself needs work to proceed quick, it can’t simply conform to such a requirement.
What precisely is the issue?
Coastal erosion is a significant issue in Kerala. I’ve been elevating this in Parliament for 10 years. It ought to be addressed. I mentioned in Parliament if China took two inches of our land, we’ll all be up in arms, saying this can be a nationwide problem.
The sea has taken 64 sq km of my constituency. This too is ‘Bharat Ki Bhoomi’. You can’t blame the coastal neighborhood for asking “who cares for us”. But I’m not sure in regards to the argument that that is due to the port development. The port development shouldn’t be that far superior.
Of the three.1 km of the breakwater that they must assemble, they’ve barely constructed simply over one km. So I can’t imagine that alone may cause this type of harm. Sea erosion is a actuality. But that has been attributed rightly or wrongly — I believe extra more likely to be unsuitable — to the port.
So you imply to say the ocean erosion shouldn’t be due to the port however because of the bigger climatic points?
I believe the declare that the harm is because of the port is price taking a look at by a panel of consultants.
The state authorities can represent a small panel of consultants who also needs to go and speak to the neighborhood representatives.
But, to truly perceive sea erosion points, there are consultants, worldwide in addition to nationwide.
Let them come and do a correct research. But that doesn’t imply work ought to cease.
The ongoing agitation has now taken on an anti-port air, some kind of an anti-development stance. Would you attempt to persuade Church leaders that the agitation ought to focus extra on livelihood issues confronted by the affected?
I’ve already instructed them. At a time after we are busy suing the corporate constructing the port for not going quick sufficient, how can the identical authorities inform them to cease work? I can’t converse for the state authorities.
My occasion shouldn’t be in energy in both Delhi or Kerala. What I’ve is a few affect and a few ethical authority because the individuals’s consultant.
Beyond that, the one one with authority to behave is the CM and the state authorities. So I’ve to place the ball of their courtroom. I’m not a buck-passer, however the truth stays that I’ve no government authority.
What drives Shashi Tharoor the politician? Is it political ambition or ideology? Don’t say it’s working for the individuals…
Working for the individuals (laughs) … Every week, as an MP, I’m able to ship outcomes to any individual. In a democracy, politics continues to be essentially the most impactful option to make a distinction within the lives of individuals. For that, in our system, you should have a automobile and the automobile right here is your occasion.
There I’ve definitely discovered our share of challenges. I’m giving all of it very severe thought as as to whether that is essentially essentially the most helpful factor I may very well be doing.
You had been a diplomat earlier than switching to politics. During your first tenure as MP, you had been a minister within the UPA-2 cabinet. But, you’ve gotten been ‘just an MP’ for the previous eight years. Do you are feeling any disappointment?
So, you don’t imagine within the dictum ‘never give up’? (chuckles…) Yes, we’re in a stage the place Congress shouldn’t be in energy both on the Centre or within the state. And, there are nice limitations on how a lot an MP can ship.
You might have concepts, and you might diagnose the issues and options, however I’ll concede that there are frustrations.
Plenty of individuals have been asking me why not flip my consideration to the state the place Congress is a severe contender for energy.
Does that imply that you simply gained’t be contesting within the 2024 Lok Sabha election?
No, no. All I’m saying is that I’m critically analyzing all of the choices earlier than me. It is the occasion that may determine whether or not to allot a seat to me or not.
If my occasion offers me a ticket to the competition, that may very well be one possibility. There are different choices too.
What precisely are the choices?
I don’t need to go into all that now. Once you go public, then they stop to be in your thoughts they usually turn into objects of public dialogue. I’ve not been any individual in my whole working life who has ever begged for one thing.
Equally, I’ve not been any individual who shied away from a possibility or problem to make an impression.
There are rumours that AAP and BJP are eager to rope you in…
Well, they aren’t the one ones… (laughs loudly) I’ve the good inconvenience of getting ideological convictions. So, events that don’t share the identical ideological premises might most likely not be a simple place for me to suit into.
So, can we rule out BJP?
I believe that’s fairly apparent. If I had been within the BJP, I wouldn’t invite Shashi Tharoor to return and be a part of.
What about AAP?
I’ve respect for a lot of events. In Delhi, we oppose the AAP. But I’d say a few of the work they (AAP) do is nice.
See, the service supply side; we noticed the identical factor in 2020 in Kerala. If you may ship service successfully to the general public, that’s not a nasty factor.
But do you suppose an “apolitical’’ occasion like AAP will be capable of make an impression in a deeply political state like Kerala?
The success of AAP will rely upon how effectively they’re able to tackle the peculiarities of Kerala politics. Let’s see…What are the choices aside from AAP and BJP?
There are regional events having broadly the identical ideology as that of Congress as they could have damaged away in some unspecified time in the future in time.
It is troublesome to say that ideologically there may be an incompatibility. There are a number of events that share broadly the orientation of Congress relating to a blended financial system, international coverage, political democracy and freedom of the Press.
In that sense, all these events that subscribe to the identical ideology may very well be appropriate. But, proper now I nonetheless have hope that Congress would become the suitable automobile for advancing the dream of India.
You mentioned you need to be a part of state politics. Do you suppose you’ll be welcomed by Congress leaders in Kerala when you determine to shift base? There is already an issue of loads…
Congress is all of us; all of us who work in Congress are in Congress. Current state management has a superb relationship with me.
You had been a part of the G23. What is the present place? Are you continue to part of it?
Frankly, G23 is a media fable. It was a letter drafted by a few of our colleagues which a few of us had been invited to signal. It shouldn’t be a very coherent group.
They had been a gaggle of people that met, the composition of which shifted now and again and as you recognize one or two of the signatories are not within the occasion and a few of them have dissociated with it. I signed it as by and enormous I agreed with its contents.
One of the issues that wanted to be mentioned was that the occasion was too vital for the way forward for India to be allowed to float and that it wanted some severe institutional revival. That I nonetheless stand by.
Did you meet Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi after that?
I met Sonia Gandhi a number of instances after that and Rahul Gandhi a couple of times. Sonia Gandhi as interim president has not been inaccessible.
She definitely had well being points however she hasn’t been kind of absent on the management.
What’s your equation with Rahul Gandhi?
Frankly, relationships with people have their ups and downs. I gained’t go round claiming any specific relationship with anybody. I don’t badmouth anybody too.
I don’t imagine in enjoying this recreation of attacking individuals and when attacked, I’ll often smile and transfer on. I don’t imagine in this type of politics.
The election for Congress president is arising. Will you be a candidate?
Just watch for the elections to be introduced and see what the choices are. I’m not saying I’d essentially be a candidate. If the “heir apparent” chooses to not be a contestant, then others will come ahead and we could have set of decisions.
Congress didn’t return to energy in Kerala after serving a time period within the opposition. What went unsuitable?
There had been some organisational deficiencies on our half. Also, there have been some messaging points on our half. I don’t need to blame the number of younger candidates however I will surely blame our failure to call these candidates a lot earlier. If you place up younger faces, it’s best to give them three months, not simply three weeks, to promote themselves.
Was candidate choice the one problem? What about factionalism?
Factionalism has been most unlucky. But, I believe to a point it’s disappearing. There is a necessity for inside infusion of recent vitality to make this work. Mr Sudhakaran was meant to energise the occasion staff.
And I’d say Mr Satheesan can also be doing job as chief of the opposition.
We have gotten good issues going proper now which I believe will current a unique narrative in 2026.
Earlier there have been solely two teams. Now there appear to be many extra teams, together with the one led by Okay C Venugopal…
You know Kofi Annan used to inform me that there are not any silly questions, there are solely silly solutions. Let me not give a silly reply…
You mentioned in a current interview that given the chance you’d seize chief ministership.
Who wouldn’t? Wouldn’t you seize it? I’d take it up as a result of there are issues to be carried out.
How do you view the prospects of Narendra Modi in 2024?
There is little question that Mr Modi is common, significantly in northern India and the so-called Hindi belt. His occasion can also be effectively organised and by far the best-funded occasion. But, we now have some kind of immunity within the South in the direction of their messaging.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala have a unique orientation. They are usually not going to seek out it straightforward to make a significant impression in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Do you suppose there’s a risk of a 3rd entrance rising nationally?
One has to offer some severe ideas as as to whether it is sensible to create a 3rd entrance on the nationwide degree. We don’t have equal fronts within the nation.
We have to have opposition unity for cumulatively including up the numbers.
There is not any query that BJP as a celebration would be the single largest and strongest occasion. But something can occur and we must be ready for eventualities.
You share a superb rapport with Oommen Chandy…
I’ve an unlimited quantity of respect for him. I couldn’t be like him if I attempted. So I love individuals who do issues in a manner that’s exemplary.
He is a person who has his finger on the heart beat of the individuals. No chief in any occasion can declare to have a higher rapport with the individuals of Kerala than Oommen Chandy.
You additionally share rapport with Pinarayi Vijayan…
I believe he’s a really environment friendly and severe individual. In all points I’ve handled him, he has come throughout as a no-nonsense individual. If he offers you his phrase, it’s carried out. I’ve large respect for him.
Your political profession appears to be caught. Where is Shashi Tharoor headed?
Shashi Tharoor shouldn’t be more likely to keep in a rut for lengthy. Let me go away it there (chuckles).
