Sat Feb 22 17:41:56 UTC 2025: ## Tharoor’s Praise of Kerala’s CPI(M) Government Sparks Rift with Congress

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing growing criticism from within his own party after praising certain policies of Kerala’s ruling CPI(M) government. The controversy escalated this week, prompting Tharoor to post a cryptic message on X, quoting Thomas Gray: “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.”

Tharoor’s praise stemmed from an article he wrote highlighting the growth of Kerala’s startup sector, crediting both the current CPI(M) government and former Congress Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for its success. While acknowledging Chandy’s foundational work, he also lauded the continuation and expansion of these initiatives under the current administration. This led to criticism from Kerala Congress leaders, who accused him of undermining the party’s anti-incumbency campaign ahead of upcoming local body elections.

The Congress mouthpiece, Veekshanam Daily, published an editorial criticizing Tharoor (without naming him) for his actions, urging him not to betray the party’s workers. The situation further deteriorated when Tharoor initially shared a Facebook poster referring to CPI(M) members as “cannibals,” a post he later removed. The poster commemorated two Youth Congress workers killed five years ago.

Tharoor has defended his actions, stating that his comments on the CPI(M) government focused on specific policy successes and that his praise for Prime Minister Modi’s recent US visit was in the best interest of India, not solely party interests. He emphasized the importance of India’s growing global standing, highlighted by Modi’s meeting with President Trump. The CPI(M), however, welcomed Tharoor’s recognition of their achievements. The ongoing conflict underscores a significant internal struggle within the Kerala Congress.

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