Summary
- K Muraleedharan says Shashi Tharoor is “not one of us” amid security row.
- Tharoor faces backlash for his “nation first” stance post-Pahalgam attack.
- Congress leadership to decide on disciplinary action against the MP.
A Rift That Could Reshape Congress Dynamics
The internal divide within the Congress party has widened, with senior leader K Muraleedharan publicly declaring that Shashi Tharoor will no longer be invited to party events in Thiruvananthapuram until he alters his stance on national security. Muraleedharan’s remarks come as the Congress and its allies in the INDIA bloc prepare to target the Modi government over alleged security lapses during the Pahalgam terror attacks and the fallout of Operation Sindoor.
In Kochi today, I was asking inevitable question by a high school student. While I have been steering clear of such political discussions in public, I felt a student deserved a response: pic.twitter.com/AIUpDBl0Kf
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 19, 2025
Shashi Tharoor’s insistence on prioritising national interest, even if it means supporting the armed forces and central government, has been perceived by some within Congress as disloyalty. His stance reflects a larger dilemma within the party: how to balance political opposition with a unified front on national security issues. The controversy is compounded by Shashi Tharoor’s growing profile in Kerala, where a recent survey placed him as the preferred Chief Ministerial candidate for the UDF.
This public confrontation highlights not just personality clashes but also ideological tensions within the party as it struggles to redefine its narrative. The decision of the national leadership on Shashi Tharoor’s future will signal how Congress manages internal dissent and competing power centres in a volatile political climate.
Muraleedharan’s Sharp Attack
- Declares Tharoor is not welcome at party events in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Links exclusion to Tharoor’s national security remarks.
- Warns that national leadership will decide on further action.
Muraleedharan’s comments have intensified the rift within Kerala Congress ranks. By stating that Shashi Tharoor is “not one of us,” Muraleedharan signalled a hardening stance against members perceived to deviate from the party line. He particularly targeted Tharoor’s comments following the Pahalgam terror attacks, which were seen as indirectly supporting the Modi government’s security narrative.
According to Muraleedharan, a member who places national interest above party unity, especially during a critical Monsoon Session, cannot be considered part of the team. He also criticised Shashi Tharoor for past statements, including his controversial article on Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. These developments underline a power struggle within Congress’s Kerala unit, where Tharoor’s rising popularity is creating discomfort among senior leaders.
Tharoor’s Nation-First Stand
- Defends his stance of prioritising national interest over party politics.
- Calls for cross-party cooperation on security issues.
- Faces criticism for “undermining” Congress strategy.
Shashi Tharoor, known for his independent voice, has stood firm on his belief that the country’s welfare must come before political rivalries. Speaking in Kochi, he asserted that political parties exist to serve the nation and that his support for the armed forces and government measures on national security is non-negotiable.
While this position has earned him praise from certain quarters, it has also triggered accusations of disloyalty from within his party. Many Congress leaders see Tharoor’s stance as an attempt to carve out a unique identity, which could be interpreted as challenging the party’s official narrative. Tharoor has countered such claims, stating that cooperation on security matters should never be viewed as political betrayal.
Kerala Politics and Tharoor’s Future
- Survey suggests Tharoor is UDF’s top CM candidate.
- Rising popularity sparks tension with Kerala Congress leadership.
- National leadership faces tough decision on his role.
The current controversy is not just about ideological disagreements but also about political positioning in Kerala. Tharoor’s growing influence, highlighted by surveys naming him the top choice for Chief Minister if the UDF returns to power, has unsettled established leaders like Muraleedharan.
The Congress high command now faces a dual challenge: maintaining unity ahead of crucial state and national elections, while managing the internal ambitions of leaders like Tharoor. Any disciplinary action against him could risk alienating his strong support base, while leniency could embolden others to take independent stands.
What Lies Ahead for Congress and Tharoor?
The clash between Muraleedharan and Tharoor is symptomatic of deeper issues within the Congress—an ageing leadership, competing ambitions, and the difficulty of balancing national interest with political strategy. As the INDIA bloc prepares to challenge the Modi government, the party cannot afford prolonged infighting, especially in key states like Kerala.
The final call from the national leadership will likely shape not only Tharoor’s future in Congress but also the party’s ability to project itself as a united force. Whether Tharoor stays, compromises, or takes a more independent political path remains to be seen, but the current rift has certainly exposed the fractures within the grand old party.
