Indian National Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will skip the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala's new chief minister V.D. Satheesan [1].
Tharoor's absence from the event marks a notable gap in attendance for a high-profile party leader during a key transition of power in the state. The ceremony serves as the formal induction of Satheesan into his role as the leader of Kerala.
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2024 [1]. The event will take place at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram [1].
Tharoor announced his absence on Friday, May 17, 2024, stating that he will be in Boston, U.S., to attend events at his alma mater [2, 3]. He noted that his travel coincides with a conference at the university, preventing his return to India in time for the proceedings.
"Sorry, I will not be able to attend the oath‑taking ceremony of CM‑designate V.D. Satheesan as I will be in Boston for a conference at my alma mater," Tharoor said in a post on X [3].
Despite his absence, the MP offered his support for the incoming administration. "Congratulations to V.D. Satheesan on becoming Kerala’s next chief minister," Tharoor said [1].
In a separate statement to Mathrubhumi, Tharoor reiterated the conflict in his schedule. "I have a prior commitment in Boston and therefore will miss the swearing‑in ceremony," he said [4].
“"Sorry, I will not be able to attend the oath‑taking ceremony of CM‑designate V.D. Satheesan"”
The absence of a prominent figure like Shashi Tharoor from a state-level swearing-in ceremony typically draws political scrutiny regarding party unity or personal priorities. However, by citing a specific academic commitment at his alma mater and issuing public congratulations, Tharoor is attempting to frame the absence as a scheduling conflict rather than a political statement.
