Aiyar Says Tharoor Wants to Be FM, Labels Khera a ‘Puppet’

February 16, 2026

New Delhi: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has stirred controversy with his candid remarks about party colleagues, alleging that Shashi Tharoor aspires to become the next foreign minister and describing fellow leader Pawan Khera as a “puppet”. His comments have reignited internal debates within the Indian National Congress and drawn responses from both supporters and critics of the party.

Aiyar’s Sharp Remarks on Tharoor’s Ambition

In a recent interview, Aiyar said Tharoor, four‑time MP from Kerala, harbors personal ambitions to be India’s next foreign minister a role that places high diplomatic responsibility on its holder. He described Tharoor as “anti‑Pakistan” and suggested that these perceived ambitions could affect party unity. Aiyar’s comments come amid broader discussions on leadership influence within the party.

Pawan Khera Called a ‘Puppet’

Aiyar also targeted Pawan Khera, criticizing him as a “puppet” spokesperson for the Congress and questioning his credibility. He said that if Khera remains the party’s main voice, it reflects poorly on the party’s internal dynamics and communication strategy. Aiyar’s remarks were delivered in a seminar titled ‘Vision 2031: Development and Democracy’.

Context: Kerala Assembly Polls and Party Dissent

Aiyar’s remarks come against the backdrop of upcoming state elections, including in Kerala, where Congress leadership is closely watched. He also expressed doubts about Congress’s chances in the Kerala polls, suggesting that internal rivalries and disagreements among leaders could hamper the party’s performance against the Left Front.

Congress Leaders React to Aiyar’s Statements

Following Aiyar’s statements, senior Congress leaders including Khera responded, clarifying that Aiyar speaks in a personal capacity and is not officially connected with the party’s current organizational setup. Party leadership reportedly distanced itself from the comments, emphasizing unity and collective decision‑making.

Political Implications and Debate

The controversy highlights ongoing factional debates within Congress, with Aiyar’s remarks drawing both criticism and support from different quarters. Some analysts say such internal public criticism might affect the party’s image, especially ahead of critical elections, while others argue that open discourse reflects healthy democratic practice within a political organization.

What This Means Going Forward

As India’s political landscape evolves, leadership aspirations and public commentary from senior figures like Aiyar continue to shape party narratives. Whether these remarks influence Congress’s campaign strategies or leadership roles remains to be seen, particularly as the party navigates challenges in several state