Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Indian politician, author, and former diplomat, is known for his eloquence and intellectual depth. He was born on March 9, 1956, in London, United Kingdom, to Lily and Chandran Tharoor, who hailed from the state of Kerala in India. Tharoor spent his formative years in India and completed his education at St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Tharoor's career is as diverse as it is illustrious. He began his professional life at the United Nations, where he served for nearly three decades, rising to the position of Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. During his time at the UN, Tharoor earned a reputation as a skilled diplomat and a passionate advocate for international cooperation.
In 2009, Tharoor made a foray into Indian politics, joining the Indian National Congress party. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. Tharoor has since been re-elected from the same constituency multiple times, earning a reputation as a diligent and articulate parliamentarian.
Tharoor is also known for his active presence on social media, particularly Twitter, where he enjoys a large following due to his insightful commentary and engaging writing style. He is a vocal advocate for liberal values, multiculturalism, and secularism, often engaging in debates on these topics both online and offline.
Overall, Shashi Tharoor's career is a testament to his intellect, passion, and commitment to public service. He continues to be a prominent voice in Indian politics and a respected figure on the global stage.
His official Twitter handle is @ShashiTharoor and the name of his official Facebook page is Shashi Tharoor. He is also active on Instagram, under the username @shashitharoor.
In this Super 6 special edition, anchor Akshita Nandagopal reports on major political shifts in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. After the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the NCP has postponed its legislative party meeting to observe a mourning period. Sunetra Pawar is being seen as the frontrunner to carry forward his legacy and potentially assume the Deputy Chief Minister role.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political developments in Kerala as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor signals a peace pact with the party high command. Following a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor reaffirmed his commitment to the party, stating, 'These are my two leaders, the Congress president on the one hand and the leader of the opposition in my own House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha'. The meeting aimed to resolve reported unease and coordination issues ahead of the crucial Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April and May. Tharoor is set to play a pivotal role in the UDF campaign, with plans to visit all 140 constituencies in the state. The leadership has assured Tharoor of due recognition and involvement in key decision-making processes, ending a period of friction and setting the stage for a united front in the upcoming polls.
This news bulletin, anchored by Nagarjun Dwarkanath, covers significant political and criminal developments across Southern India. A primary focus is the finalized alliance between the DMK and Congress for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections following high-level talks between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi. In Andhra Pradesh, the CBI has submitted a final charge sheet regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ladoo ghee adulteration scam. Criminal reports include a triple murder in Chennai involving a migrant family from Bihar, resulting in five arrests. Environmental concerns in Kanyakumari are highlighted, specifically regarding rare earth element mining and coastal erosion affecting deep-sea fishermen. Additional coverage includes the Karnataka Contractors Association's strike threat over pending dues, a SIT probe involving actor Jayaram in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and food poisoning incidents in Telangana government schools. The report also notes political developments in Kerala involving Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, providing a comprehensive overview of current regional affairs and legal proceedings.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s clarification regarding his political future and his role in the upcoming Kerala elections. Following a meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Tharoor dismissed long-standing rumours of him leaving the party, stating, 'I have been hearing such stories myself for the last 17 years. I am moving forward with courtesy and love.' He praised Rahul Gandhi as a leader with a clear political stance against communalism and confirmed his active participation in the Kerala campaign. The Kerala Congress leadership, including V.D. Satheesan, has welcomed this development, describing Tharoor as an asset who will campaign across all 140 constituencies. The programme highlights how the party is consolidating its leadership to present a united front, with Tharoor asserting that he remains firmly with the Congress and will be at the forefront of the electoral battle in the state.
This segment of the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey analyses the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 in the poll-bound states if Lok Sabha elections are held today.
On this Special Report, consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyzes the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 projections for upcoming assembly polls. The data suggests a significant lead for the India bloc and regional parties in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, while the NDA maintains a comfortable lead in Assam. Sardesai observes, 'The big message is that the regional forces are holding their ground, which makes it very difficult for the BJP to penetrate these states.' The discussion highlights the divergence between national narratives and state-level factors, noting that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ratings remain high, voters distinguish between central and regional leadership. The panel, including Maria Shakeel and Sanju Verma, debates the BJP's 'course correction' in Uttar Pradesh following the 2024 Lok Sabha results and the opposition's ability to capitalize on regional strengths. The programme explores whether the India alliance can maintain its momentum as a diverse democratic force against the BJP's electoral machinery.
In this report, the focus is on the high-level meeting between Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The meeting aimed to address speculations regarding a rebellion and internal friction within the Kerala Congress unit. Speaking after the marathon session, Shashi Tharoor stated, 'The discussion with my two party leaders, the LOP and the Congress President and we had a very good, constructive, positive discussion.' He emphasized that the party is moving forward on the same page, dismissing rumors of a fallout. Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, confirmed he would continue to campaign for the party alongside the state leadership. The Congress leadership has reportedly stepped in to ensure unity ahead of upcoming elections, describing Tharoor as an asset to the party. The discussion follows Tharoor's recent absence from party meetings and reported differences with the state leadership in Kerala.
In this exclusive interaction, former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed levels serious allegations against the party leadership, claiming his life is under threat following his recent remarks. Ahmed asserts, 'Mr. Rahul Gandhi is the Chief Minister today in Congress,' implying that Rahul Gandhi, not Mallikarjun Kharge, wields absolute control over the party. He details his long history of travelling and working closely with Gandhi but alleges a shift in the leader's strategy to sideline senior veterans in favour of a younger cadre that offers unquestioning loyalty. Ahmed claims that instructions were sent from Delhi to attack his residences in Madhubani and Patna. Having resigned from the party's primary membership two months ago, Ahmed maintains he offered critiques as a well-wisher to address the party's weaknesses. He further alleges that the Congress leadership is insecure about senior leaders with grassroots support and prefers those who only chant 'Rahul, Rahul.' The administration has been alerted regarding the alleged threats to his safety.
On this Special Report, anchor Anjali Istowal examines the deepening internal crisis within the Congress party following a series of high-profile exits and public dissent. The program highlights the resignation of former MP Shakeel Ahmed, who launched a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi, calling him a 'darpok' and 'insecure leader' who ignores senior voices. The discussion also covers veteran leader Rashid Alvi’s concerns regarding the lack of communication forums within the party and Shashi Tharoor’s apparent friction with the high command. Featuring a panel with BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma, analyst Syed Asad Abbas, and author Rashid Kidwai, the report debates whether the party's recent electoral setbacks in Bihar and other states have triggered this wave of opportunism or if there is a genuine organizational failure. The guests analyze the impact of Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style on party unity as the BJP claims the Congress is 'self-destructing' from within due to hubris and inaccessibility.
On this Special Report, BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma joins a panel to discuss the internal turmoil within the Indian National Congress following recent electoral setbacks. Verma asserts that 'Rahul Gandhi is self-destructive' and claims the party is imploding due to a leadership consumed by hubris and inaccessibility. The debate, moderated by Anjali, features insights from political commentator Rashid Kidwai and analyst Syed Asad Abbas. Kidwai notes that the Congress is becoming a party of 'people who are happy to be unhappy,' while Abbas defends the party by pointing out historical dissent within the BJP. The discussion highlights leadership vacuums in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, the impact of the Bihar election losses, and the perceived communication gap between the Congress high command and its ground workers. The programme explores whether the current dissent is a sign of democratic space or a terminal decline for the grand old party.
On this India Today special report, the focus is on the internal rift within the Congress party as veteran leader Rashid Alvi joins other prominent voices in flagging a lack of accessibility to the top leadership. Rashid Alvi stated, 'gap between the high command and workers,' describing it as a 'worrying trend emerging in the Congress.' The bulletin highlights that Alvi’s remarks follow similar concerns raised by Shakeel Ahmed and Shashi Tharoor, suggesting a growing disconnect between the party's high command and its grassroots workers. With crucial elections approaching in four states and one union territory, the programme explores how this communication breakdown, particularly among leaders from the minority community, could impact the party's electoral prospects. Correspondent Mosumi Singh provides insights into the 'mammoth machinery' of the opposition and the difficulty Congress leaders face in navigating the current internal structure where accessibility remains a primary grievance.
This news bulletin reports on the significant exit of senior leader Shakeel Ahmed from the Congress Party amid escalating internal tensions. Criticising the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Ahmed stated that Rahul Gandhi is an 'insecure, derpok leader who is dictatorial and does not listen to senior netas in the party.' The report highlights Ahmed's claims that Gandhi only promotes those who praise him, suggesting a deep divide within the organisation. The Bharatiya Janata Party has capitalised on this development, asserting that Gandhi’s 'real face' has been exposed and predicting a wider revolt against the Gandhi-Vadra leadership. While the BJP claims internal rifts are responsible for Congress's electoral losses, Congress loyalists have defended the leadership, arguing that Gandhi nurtures talent and suggesting Ahmed's departure stems from personal disappointment over unmet goals. The segment also touches upon the 'cold war' involving Shashi Tharoor and the career concerns of the next generation of leaders within the party.
On this Special Report, senior journalist Aarti Jerath analyzes the growing friction between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress leadership ahead of the Kerala assembly polls. Jerath observes that Tharoor 'has been needling his party for a long, long time' in an attempt to project himself as a chief ministerial candidate. The discussion highlights Tharoor's recent statements on Operation Sindoor and his praise for L.K. Advani, which have reportedly miffed the party high command. Jerath points out that while Tharoor maintains a profile in Thiruvananthapuram, he has struggled to carry the local Kerala unit with him, leading to a strategy where the party has begun to ignore his unilateral actions. The panel, including BJP's Tuhin Sinha and political consultant Nikhil Jain, debates whether Tharoor remains indispensable to the Congress or if the BJP is successfully 'stirring troubled waters' to exploit internal rifts within the opposition party.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating internal friction within the Congress party in Kerala, dubbed the 'Congress Tharoor Situationship'. Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor remains resolute after skipping a crucial party meeting, stating, 'the only time he did not toe the party line was during Operation Sindoor' and remains unapologetic about his stance. Tharoor emphasized that he will discuss internal matters directly with the party high command rather than in public forums. The report highlights the widening cracks within the party as colleagues label him 'irrelevant', while the Bharatiya Janata Party suggests Tharoor is being targeted for prioritizing national interests over party loyalty. As Kerala prepares for a three-cornered electoral contest, the programme examines whether this internal implosion will allow rivals to capitalise on the lack of cohesion within the Congress ranks.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the internal dynamics of the Congress party as Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor addresses reports of a rift with the party high command. Amidst speculation regarding his absence from key party events, including a Mahapanchayat attended by Rahul Gandhi and a national capital meeting, Tharoor has clarified his stance. He stated, 'Whatever issues there are would have to be discussed between the party leadership and myself and I look forward to an opportunity to do that.' Tharoor emphasised that he will not discuss internal party matters in the public domain, reiterating his commitment to the party line. The report also examines the Kerala state leadership's response, noting their confidence in electoral preparations despite the perceived friction. While Tharoor has previously expressed independent opinions, he maintains his identity as a dedicated Congress member, seeking to resolve any grievances through direct dialogue with the top leadership rather than through public discourse.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's defiant stance after skipping a crucial party meeting to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival. Tharoor asserted, 'I will tell the party leadership directly what I have to say,' emphasizing that certain matters should not be discussed publicly. The Thiruvananthapuram MP also addressed his position on 'Operation Sindoor,' stating he remains unapologetic despite it being a point of disagreement with his party. While party colleague Imran Masood downplayed Tharoor's importance, others defended his right to speak his mind in a democracy, especially regarding national interests. The transcript highlights how Tharoor's actions have provided ammunition to the NDA ahead of the Kerala polls, as he continues to balance his roles as a global literary figure and a proactive politician. The programme explores the growing internal differences within the Congress party and the implications of Tharoor's praise for the Prime Minister's initiatives.
On this special report, the focus is on Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's decision to skip a crucial party meeting in Delhi ahead of the Kerala elections. Tharoor, who instead attended the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, remained defiant regarding his absence, stating, 'We'll tell the leadership what I have to say.' The veteran leader noted that it is not right to publicly discuss certain internal matters but confirmed he would raise his concerns directly with the party high command. The transcript highlights a potential rift within the Congress party, especially following reports of Tharoor feeling insulted at a recent Mahapanchayat event in Kochi. While the party leadership attempted to frame his absence as a result of prior commitments, Tharoor's refusal to explicitly deny reports of discontent suggests underlying friction. The programme examines how this internal discord might impact the Congress party's prospects in the upcoming assembly polls in Kerala, where the BJP is also attempting to make significant inroads.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intensifying friction between veteran Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and the party leadership ahead of the elections. Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Tharoor struck a defiant note regarding his past disagreement with the party's stance on 'Operation Sindoor' following the Pahalgam incident. He stated, 'I will not apologize on operations in those stand,' emphasizing that when India's security is at stake, national interest must come first. The programme explores Tharoor's history of defying party lines, including his occasional praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's industrial initiatives. Despite skipping a crucial strategy meeting in Delhi due to perceived slights at a recent Kochi event, Tharoor maintains he remains a committed Congressman who simply refuses to be a 'regular politician' who criticizes for the sake of opposition.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the internal dynamics of the Congress party following a high-level strategy meeting in Delhi. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala addressed the absence of Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor from the session, which was attended by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to discuss Kerala poll preparedness. Chennithala clarified the situation, stating, 'Mr. Shashi Tharoor had a program in Calicut. It's a Kerala Literary Forum program. He has fixed it much earlier.' He dismissed speculations of a rift or internal discord, asserting that Tharoor remains a committed member of the party and had recently attended events in Wayanad and Cochin. The discussion also highlighted the party's confidence in the United Democratic Front (UDF) performance, with leaders aiming to cross the 100-seat mark in the upcoming elections. The programme explores the Congress's efforts to maintain a united front amidst seat-sharing talks and campaign planning for the Kerala assembly polls.
This report examines the escalating friction between four-time MP Shashi Tharoor and the Congress party leadership as Kerala prepares for the 2026 elections. The rift reportedly intensified following the Kochi Mahapanchayat, where sources claim 'protocol was breached, sitting was altered, speaker order changed at the last minute, and Rahul Gandhi did not publicly acknowledge Tharoor.' The tension is not isolated, following previous instances where Tharoor's comments on the Emergency and his praise for LK Advani forced the party to distance itself. As the Bharatiya Janata Party gains ground in urban Kerala, the Congress faces a dilemma over whether it can afford to sideline a prominent leader known as a 'global citizen.' The bulletin highlights that this internal conflict is no longer just about personal egos but has become a matter of electoral survival for the grand old party in a state where margins are critical.
