Shashi Tharoor declines to comment on discussions with CPI(M) in Dubai

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said he had seen reports alleging that he held meetings with people linked to the CPI(M) in Dubai but refused to comment on the matter.

Mr Tharoor, who is currently attending a literary festival in Dubai, was approached by reporters seeking to respond to the news on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

He said he saw the reports during his flight to Dubai and that it would not be appropriate to comment on such matters while abroad.

Speculation that the Thiruvananthapuram MP is likely to switch to another political party has emerged following allegations that he was upset over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi not acknowledging him adequately at a recent event in Kochi and repeated attempts by party leaders in the state to sideline him.

LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan on Sunday (January 25) denied reports of any meeting with Mr Tharoor.

However, he said that LDF and CPI(M) are ready to accept any person, group or party who accepts the political stand of the Left Front.