Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s latest praise for the Narendra Modi-led government over the India-UK trade deal, coupled with a smiling selfie with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, has reignited speculation about his political future. Tharoor, a known Congress rebel, has once again found himself at odds with his party leadership.

Sharing the picture on social media, Tharoor wrote, "Good to exchange words with Jonathan Reynolds, Britain's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in the company of his Indian counterpart, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The long-stalled FTA negotiations have been revived, which is most welcome."

The Congress high command is reportedly unhappy with Tharoor’s repeated public praise for the BJP-led government. His recent admiration for Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s governance and his remarks on Congress’s leadership vacuum in the state have further strained his ties with the party.

Congress vs Tharoor: Will He Jump Ship?

Adding to the tension, Tharoor’s cryptic warning to the Congress has fueled rumors of an exit. “If the party wants me… I will be there. If not, I have my own things to do. You should not think I don’t have any options,” he said.

The CPI(M) wasted no time in extending an olive branch, with senior leader Thomas Isaac declaring that Tharoor “will not be an orphan in Kerala politics” if he quits the Congress.

Tharoor was among the G-23 leaders who demanded a leadership overhaul in the Congress after the 2019 Lok Sabha defeat. With Kerala elections around the corner, all eyes are now on whether Tharoor will continue in the Congress or explore new political avenues.