Baijayant Panda selfies with Tharoor, sparking controversy

BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda shared a selfie with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on a flight, stirring up attention on social media. Panda jokingly noted that they seemed to be traveling in the "same direction." In response, Tharoor clarified that their meeting was coincidental and just for the trip to Bhubaneswar. This lighthearted exchange comes after Tharoor made comments about Kerala's economy that caused concern in Congress. He had praised the Left Democratic Front government's economic management, which led to criticism within his party. Subsequently, Tharoor faced backlash when it was reported that over 42,000 small businesses closed in Kerala over the last nine years. Tharoor also previously hinted that he had other "options" if Congress no longer needed his services, which generated speculation about his future. He later explained that he was discussing how he manages his time, not considering leaving politics. Additionally, Tharoor shared a selfie with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a rival politician from the LDF. Meanwhile, Congress leaders are working to maintain unity, with former party chief Rahul Gandhi posting a group photo of Tharoor and other leaders to show solidarity.