Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, made a remark that has once again brought Congress MP Shashi Tharoor into the spotlight. Speaking at the event on Sunday, PM Modi made a direct reference to Tharoor, saying his presence would “disturb the sleep” of some people.

“Today, Shashi Tharoor is sitting here. Today's programme will disturb the sleep of some people. The message has gone wherever it had to go,” PM Modi said from the stage, looking directly at the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram.

This public mention of Mr Tharoor by the Prime Minister is rare and significant. It comes at a time when Mr Tharoor’s role in the Congress Party, especially in Kerala, has been under discussion. His increasing popularity and bold statements have made him stand out from many other Congress leaders in the state.

Tharoor welcomes PM Modi at airport

Before the port event, Mr Tharoor had personally received PM Modi at the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Even with the flight delays, Mr Tharoor made it on time and even shared a photo on social media that quickly went viral.

“Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, I managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency,” Mr Tharoor wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The photo and his presence at the port event led to more questions about his position in the party. For the past few months, Mr Tharoor has spoken openly about the “leadership vacuum” in the Kerala Congress unit. Many see his statements and activities as being different from the party’s main state leadership.

He has also met with senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to discuss his future in the party. However, no clear decisions have been made public so far.

Mr Tharoor has also received praise from BJP leaders in the past. In March, BJP Kerala unit chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar thanked him for supporting India’s vaccine diplomacy and the government's handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“They have become enlightened,” Mr Chandrasekhar said, thanking Mr Tharoor and others from the Congress for recognising what he called the achievements of the Modi government.

He also recalled a past comment where Tharoor called PM Modi a “much tougher negotiator” after remarks made by US President Donald Trump. “Better late than never,” Mr Chandrasekhar added.

Although Mr Tharoor did not directly name PM Modi in his magazine article about vaccine diplomacy, his words were widely seen as a silent approval of the government's efforts. “India's efforts were appreciated, enhancing its reputation as a responsible global leader,” Tharoor had written.

Meanwhile, the Congress central leadership is trying to show unity. Rahul Gandhi recently posted a picture showing Kerala Congress leaders standing together. The image appeared to include Tharoor's shadowed figure, with the caption: “They stand as one.”

Tharoor has responded by saying his comments are often misunderstood and that he is still loyal to the party. However, he has also said he won’t rule out other “options” if the Congress no longer wants him.