THRISSUR: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi commented on Friday, that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor must independently decide whether to join the BJP, emphasizing that such a decision stems from understanding people's interests. He added that he cannot act as a "catalyst" for it as the Congress MP has to decide whether he wants to join the saffron party.

Gopi who is the Union Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Tourism, was responding to press reporters' queries regarding Tharoor and the ongoing Bharat Mata-related row between Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and the state government. Gopi also expressed disapproval of ministers appointing personal staff with substantial benefits, calling it unfair, and stressed the need for changes in ministerial practices regarding staff appointments.

However, Shashi Tharoor has publicly denied any intention of joining the BJP, reaffirming his loyalty to the Congress party. In posts found on X, Tharoor stated, “Not going anywhere. My ideology hasn’t changed,” and emphasized his commitment to Congress, saying, “Forever I’m with Congress.” He further clarified that his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were official, related to a diplomatic mission, and not political, dismissing speculations about switching parties.

Tharoor has acknowledged differences with some Congress leaders but insisted these should be resolved internally. He noted his absence from the Nilambur bypoll campaign in Kerala, stating he was not invited, though Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph clarified Tharoor’s name was on the star campaigners’ list, citing a possible communication gap due to Tharoor’s international commitments.