India, Feb. 23 -- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said that Kerala's party unit lacks a "leader" and warned that it risks a third consecutive term in Opposition unless it broadens its appeal beyond its core voter-base, fuelling speculation about his future with the party.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, in an Indian Express podcast, said that he was available for the party if it needed him. But if it did not need his services, Tharoor said he had other "options" like books, speeches and invitations to address gatherings around the world.

The top leaders of the ruling CPI(M) in the state were quick to back his remarks while Congress leaders reacted cautiously to the comments.

Tharoor said that...