Thiruvanathapuram (Kerala) [India], January 29 (ANI): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday described his recent meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge as cordial and constructive, saying the party is moving forward together in a positive way.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, 'I see it in a positive way that one has an opportunity to discuss all issues very cordially and constructively in the spirit of camaraderie, and that's something very important in a party. We are all colleagues working together. These are my two leaders--the Congress President on the one hand and the Leader of the Opposition in my own House of Parliament. To have an opportunity to have a very constructive, focused conversation was good. We are moving forward together in a very positive way.'

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also commented on the meeting on X. 'In continuation of our state-wise review meetings, INC President Sh. Mallikarjun @kharge ji and LOP Sh. @RahulGandhi ji held discussions with senior Congress leaders from Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan,' the post read.

https://x.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/2016863910570447195

On the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, Tharoor welcomed the development but cautioned about the timeline.

'That's a very big piece of news, very good news, but it'll take a year because the European Union has 27 member countries that have to ratify the agreement before it can be implemented. We're likely looking at another year before it comes into force. So don't expect any short-term benefits, but in the longer term it should be very good, and I'm hoping that manufacturers, exporters and so on will prepare themselves for the great opportunities that will follow,' Tharoor said.

Speaking on India's broader economic prospects, Tharoor expressed optimism over the Economic Survey's projection of India's GDP growth in the range of 6.8-7.2 per cent for 2026-27.

'More importantly, we need employment as well. Jobless growth will not solve the problems of our young people, and that needs to be addressed very seriously,' he said.

He added that he is looking forward to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget address on Sunday and noted that free trade agreements could boost exports and create new employment opportunities.

On expectations for the Union Budget for Kerala, Tharoor remained cautious, noting the challenges of predicting allocations in an election year.

'Difficult to say in an election year, you can always predict certain things, and in the middle of the season, it's difficult to say what will happen. I think we are all very expectant. Kerala got several Padma awards. Will we get a higher percentage of allocations for our state? I don't know. We certainly can use a little more money coming to the state from the centre,' he said.

Beyond politics and economics, Tharoor also shared his enthusiasm for the India-New Zealand 5th T20 match being held in Thiruvananthapuram.

'I'm looking forward to that. Very excited. Of course, it's the last match of the series, and it's now in Thiruvanathapuram. Even though the series is already decided, and because it's here after a long time, we're getting a good international men's game, I'm looking forward to watching it. Sanju Samson will come good. I'm looking forward to his success,' he said. (ANI)