Could Shashi Tharoor be at the heart of Indian politics’ next big twist? As the countdown to the Kerala Assembly elections begins, all eyes are on one man, Thiruvananthapuram’s MP, Dr Shashi Tharoor.

On one hand, he shines in the central government’s global delegation; on the other, his distance from the Congress high command grows. The big question is: Will Tharoor switch parties? Or will he steer Congress to victory in Kerala?

Read in Hindi: कांग्रेस में मिसफिट और भाजपा में असहज हैं शशि थरूर

After leading a triumphant global campaign tied to Operation Sindoor, Dr Shashi Tharoor finds himself in Prime Minister Modi’s good books while being a thorn in the Congress high command’s side. What role will he play in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections? From Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram, political corridors are abuzz with speculation. There’s no doubt that the Modi government’s strategy of including opposition MPs in seven delegations sent to 33 countries for global outreach is a calculated move, impacting domestic politics more than foreign affairs.

Meanwhile, major political parties are gearing up for the Kerala Assembly elections. The electric atmosphere created by Operation Sindoor is expected to cool before the polls conclude. The Prime Minister has already delivered some election speeches.

With Kerala’s 2026 Assembly elections approaching, speculation about Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s future is rife. Tharoor, who has emerged as a popular young politician, is known for his eloquence and global image. His recent global outreach following Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism operation, has significantly boosted his popularity, earning praise from the BJP leadership. Naturally, people are now guessing what role Tharoor will play in Kerala’s politics.

Tharoor strongly presented India’s stance in countries like the US, Brazil, and Panama post-Operation Sindoor, cementing his image as a national leader applauded by both Congress and the BJP. However, his ties with the Congress leadership remain strained. Social media and news reports highlight two possibilities: either Tharoor will take charge of Congress in Kerala, or he might join the BJP.

Tharoor’s popularity, especially in urban areas like Thiruvananthapuram, makes him a significant figure. Some want him to become Kerala Congress president or even a chief ministerial candidate. Kerala’s educated and aware voters, particularly the youth, admire his global image. Yet, his perceived disconnect from the masses and elitist image could alienate Congress’s traditional voters. The Congress leadership hesitates to give him prominence, as he often deviates from the party line.

On the other hand, rumours of Tharoor’s closeness to the BJP are gaining traction. His collaboration with the BJP has fueled these speculations. Some on social media suggest the BJP could position Tharoor as a major face in Kerala, similar to how Ghulam Nabi Azad was used in Jammu and Kashmir. Tharoor’s influence in the Christian and Nair communities and his urban appeal could help the BJP gain ground in Kerala, where it has struggled. He could be a chief ministerial candidate or a national spokesperson for India.

However, Tharoor joining the BJP seems unlikely. His liberal ideology clashes with the BJP’s core beliefs, and his secular image could alienate his voter base. More likely, he will stay with Congress, leveraging his Operation Sindoor popularity to strengthen his position. Alternatively, as some social media posts hint, he might leave politics for diplomacy or writing.

Kerala’s politics remains uncertain. Tharoor’s next move could bolster Congress in urban areas or give the BJP a new foothold in the state. His decision will reshape Kerala’s electoral dynamics.