Amid internal strife, senior leader questions Tharoor’s loyalty; Tharoor stands firm on national security stance
New Delhi, July 21 (The Trending People): Amid rising tensions within the Congress party, senior leader and former Union Minister K. Muraleedharan on Sunday openly declared that MP Shashi Tharoor would no longer be invited to any party programme held in Thiruvananthapuram unless he changes his views on key national security issues.
Muraleedharan’s sharp remarks have further exposed the deepening rift between Tharoor and the Congress’s Kerala leadership, which is now turning into a full-blown crisis for the party.
“Till he (Tharoor) changes his stance, we will not invite him to any party programme in Thiruvananthapuram. He is not with us, so there is no question of him boycotting an event,” said Muraleedharan, clearly indicating a hardening of positions.
He also remarked that Tharoor, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), is “no longer considered one of us.”
National Security Divide
Muraleedharan’s statements come at a crucial political moment, as the Congress party and the INDIA bloc are preparing to confront the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Their strategy includes raising what they allege is a “security lapse” in the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir and questioning the effectiveness of the high-profile Operation Sindoor, launched after the attack.
Tharoor, who was part of an all-party delegation that visited the Americas under the umbrella of Operation Sindoor, had earlier said at a public event in Kochi, “We must always put the country first. Political parties exist to make countries better.”
This position, seemingly conciliatory toward the Centre on national security matters, has been repeatedly criticised by state Congress leaders, who accuse him of going soft on the Modi government.
Tharoor Stands His Ground
Responding to the criticism, Tharoor has defended his stance, stating, “Many have attacked me for putting the nation first. But I will stand my ground because I believe this is the right thing to do for the country.”
Tharoor’s consistent support for the armed forces and his calls for national unity, even during politically volatile times, have earned him admiration across party lines but sparked resentment within his own ranks.
The friction intensified recently when Tharoor shared a public opinion survey that projected him as the most preferred Chief Ministerial candidate for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. Muraleedharan responded sharply, saying, “He should first decide which party he belongs to.”
The Emergency Article Row
Adding fuel to the fire, Tharoor’s recent article in a Malayalam daily—where he critically analysed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s handling of the Emergency—was seen as a direct attack on the Congress legacy and further widened the internal fault lines.
Muraleedharan, while addressing the issue, remarked, “If he feels constrained within the Congress, he should choose a clear political path.”
While Tharoor hasn’t responded directly to the latest statement, his recent public speeches suggest that he remains unfazed by the internal criticism and focused on his broader message of national integrity and institutional respect.
Congress in Crisis in Kerala
The current spat reflects a larger identity crisis within the Congress in Kerala, where factions are battling for control and direction ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. Tharoor’s growing popularity among urban and young voters, coupled with his nuanced policy positions, has made him a rising yet controversial figure within the party.
With local leaders like Muraleedharan doubling down on their opposition, the Congress high command now finds itself under pressure to either mediate or risk further disintegration of unity in a politically significant state.
The party’s inability to present a unified voice on crucial national and internal matters may harm its credibility, especially as it positions itself as the main opposition ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Final Thoughts of The Trending People:
The Congress party’s internal differences are no longer whispers in the corridors but loud clashes in public forums. The escalating conflict between Shashi Tharoor and the state leadership in Kerala reveals a deep ideological and strategic divide. While Tharoor’s insistence on prioritising national interest may resonate with the public, his defiance of party lines puts him at odds with state leaders. As the Congress walks a tightrope in Kerala, the choice before the high command is clear—either embrace voices like Tharoor’s and reshape its identity or risk further alienation and fragmentation in one of its last remaining strongholds.