Congress High-Level Meet: Shashi Tharoor and Siddaramaiah Join Forces in Delhi

​The Indian National Congress has always been a party of grand optics and internal complexities. Recently, the halls of Indira Bhawan in New Delhi buzzed with intense activity as the party held a high-level Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. This wasn't just another routine gathering; it was a strategic huddle aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges the party faces today. From the repeal of landmark legislation to the upcoming state polls, the stakes could not have been higher.

​What made this meeting particularly noteworthy was the attendance list. Among the sea of white khadi, two figures stood out for very different reasons: Shashi Tharoor and Siddaramaiah. Their presence signaled a moment of unity, or perhaps a necessary truce, at a time when the party is navigating turbulent waters both internally and externally. The meeting, chaired by Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, laid out a roadmap for the coming months.

​The Big Fight Over MGNREGA

​The primary spark for this urgent gathering was the Union Government's decision to overhaul the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). For the Congress, this isn't just a policy change; it’s an attack on their legacy. The government recently passed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, effectively replacing the UPA-era job scheme.

​During the meeting, the mood was one of defiance. Leaders unanimously condemned the move, calling it "anti-federal" and "anti-national." The biggest point of contention is the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the title of the new act. Rahul Gandhi was vocal in his criticism, stating that the decision was a "one-man show" that bypassed the Union Cabinet. The party has now pledged to launch a massive nationwide protest, the "Save MGNREGA Campaign," starting January 5th. They view this as a fight for the "right to work" which they believe is being dismantled.

Shashi Tharoor and the Question of Unity

​The appearance of Shashi Tharoor was a significant subplot. In recent weeks, Tharoor had been the subject of intense speculation after skipping three consecutive party meetings. His absence had triggered unease, especially when he was seen attending other high-profile events or praising certain government speeches. Critics within the party had begun to question his alignment with the official Congress line.

​However, by attending the CWC meet on Saturday, Tharoor seems to have quieted the immediate rumors of a rift. While he has often been seen as a maverick who speaks his mind—sometimes to the chagrin of the high command—his presence in Delhi suggests that he remains an integral part of the party’s intellectual and strategic core. It was a visual reminder that despite individual differences, the senior leadership is coming together to face the ruling dispensation.

Siddaramaiah and the Karnataka Equation

​While Tharoor represented the intellectual wing, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah represented the power of the party’s state-level governance. Siddaramaiah’s journey to Delhi was laden with political subtext. Back in Bengaluru, there has been persistent chatter about a potential leadership change, with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s supporters often citing a power-sharing agreement.

​Interestingly, while Siddaramaiah was a key participant in the Delhi meet, DK Shivakumar was not invited. This has been interpreted by many as a vote of confidence in the current Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah used the platform to highlight how the changes to MGNREGA would hurt rural India and place an unfair economic burden on state governments. His presence reinforced the idea that he is currently the indispensable face of the Congress in the south, backed by his strong "Ahinda" support base.

Strategic Planning for 2026

​The meeting wasn't just about protesting the present; it was about preparing for the future. With assembly elections looming in Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, the Congress needs a win. The CWC members spent a significant amount of time reviewing the party's performance in recent elections, including a sober look at the Bihar results.

​The leaders discussed ways to prevent what they termed "vote theft" and how to better coordinate between state units and the national headquarters. There is a growing realization that the party needs more than just slogans; it needs a robust organizational structure. Even veteran leader Digvijaya Singh reportedly pointed out during the session that the Congress must strengthen its grassroots committees at the block and ward levels to compete with the BJP's formidable election machine.

The Road Ahead: A Unified Front?

​As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: the Congress is moving into a "battle mode." The launch of a nationwide campaign in January is designed to energize the cadres and connect with rural voters who rely on employment guarantees. By bringing together diverse voices like Tharoor and Siddaramaiah, the party is trying to project an image of a "Big Tent" where different perspectives can coexist under one banner.

​However, the path forward is not without hurdles. Internal reforms remain a hot topic, and the pressure of upcoming state polls will test the party's new strategies. For now, the high-level meet has provided a temporary sense of direction and a common enemy in the form of the MGNREGA repeal. Whether this momentum can be sustained into the new year is the big question that remains for the Grand Old Party.