In a fresh episode highlighting internal tensions within the Kerala unit of the Indian National Congress, senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan took a sharp jibe at fellow party leader Shashi Tharoor, following the latter’s social media post sharing a survey which projected him as the most preferred Chief Minister candidate among United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders in the state.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Muraleedharan made a pointed remark:
"First decide which party you belong to," in response to Tharoor's apparent self-promotion as a CM contender.

This public exchange of barbs exposes the deepening rift within the Congress party in Kerala and underscores the complex power dynamics ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

Shashi Tharoor’s Social Media Post Sparks Row

Earlier this week, Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and three-time Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, posted on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), sharing a survey result that claimed he was the most popular choice for Chief Minister among UDF leaders.

The survey, though unofficial, quickly gained traction among Tharoor’s supporters and political commentators, sparking speculation on whether he was positioning himself as the next CM face for the UDF—a coalition led by the Congress in Kerala.

Tharoor’s post included no direct claim to the CM position, but the implications were clear, especially considering his high profile both in Kerala and nationally.

Muraleedharan’s Strong Response

K Muraleedharan, also a senior Congress leader and son of former Kerala CM K. Karunakaran, was visibly irked by Tharoor's social media activities. Responding to a reporter’s question, he said:

“Even if someone else is leading in the survey, if the UDF comes to power in the 2026 Assembly polls, the Chief Minister will be from the UDF.”

He further said:

“Our aim is to win the elections. We are not interested in such unnecessary controversies.”

What stood out most was his acerbic opening line:

“First decide which party you belong to.”

This appeared to question Tharoor’s allegiance to the Congress, hinting at either internal doubts about his loyalty or frustration over his individualistic style of functioning.

The Context of Congress in Kerala

The Indian National Congress has long been the central force in the UDF in Kerala. However, in recent years, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has gained a dominant position, winning consecutive terms in the state.

The Congress is now under pressure to rebuild its image, project a cohesive leadership, and present a united front ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly elections.

But the growing internal dissent—now manifesting publicly—poses a serious risk to the party’s chances.

Tharoor’s Rising Popularity and Unease in the Party

Shashi Tharoor’s urban, progressive image, international credentials, and articulate presence have earned him a large following, especially among the youth and middle class in Kerala. His clean public image and policy-centric politics have made him a standout figure within the state’s Congress unit.

However, his non-traditional political style, frequent international engagements, and independent tone have made many state-level leaders uncomfortable.

Despite being a member of the CWC, Tharoor has often been seen as an outsider by the entrenched Congress leadership in Kerala, many of whom hail from old political families and follow traditional party hierarchy.

Congress's Dilemma on Leadership Projection

The Congress party, unlike the BJP or CPI(M), has historically avoided projecting a CM face in Kerala before elections. Leadership decisions are typically taken post-election by the legislative party and the high command.

By publicising survey results that favour him as CM, Tharoor may be seen as violating this convention and jumping the gun.

Muraleedharan's reaction underscores the discomfort within the ranks, especially among those who have waited years to climb the ladder in the party.

What Does the Survey Say?

While the source of the survey shared by Tharoor has not been officially verified, it reportedly indicated that a significant section of UDF supporters consider Shashi Tharoor the most suitable CM candidate, above other senior Congress leaders in Kerala.

The survey's timing—close to the mid-point of the electoral cycle—has triggered suspicion that it may be part of a soft campaign to build Tharoor’s image for 2026.

Party insiders also worry that such moves may create factionalism, with different leaders vying for public attention and power in the run-up to the polls.

Political Reactions

Muraleedharan’s reaction may be the first public attack on Tharoor from a senior Congress leader in Kerala, but whispers of discontent have been around for months.

While some Congress workers see Tharoor as a refreshing face, others view him as a polarising personality whose individual popularity does not necessarily translate into organisational leadership.

Tharoor, for his part, has not responded to Muraleedharan’s remarks yet, which may be an attempt to avoid further controversy.

Tharoor's Broader Political Aspirations

This isn’t the first time Tharoor’s CM ambitions have come under discussion. In 2022, his unofficial campaign for Congress President and independent outreach in Kerala had sparked similar criticism.

Analysts believe Tharoor is eyeing a bigger role either in Kerala or nationally, but his moves continue to trigger resistance from old-guard Congressmen, especially in the state.

His focus on issues like development, diplomacy, youth empowerment, and clean governance appeal to urban voters, but he is often accused of ignoring grassroots politics.

The Road to 2026: Challenges for Congress

As the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections approach, the Congress must address several challenges:

• Leadership clarity: Without a clear plan, confusion over CM face could hurt chances.

• Factionalism: Infighting between camps—pro-Tharoor, pro-Saturn leaders—may create rifts.

• Narrative building: The party needs a unified and progressive vision to challenge the LDF.

• Youth engagement: Tharoor's popularity among youth could be an asset—if channelled properly.

Any open conflict like the current one only divides the vote bank, dampens cadre morale, and benefits the ruling party.

Final Thoughts

The recent remarks by K Muraleedharan against Shashi Tharoor reflect the underlying tensions and power struggle within the Kerala Congress. As the party navigates its comeback strategy for 2026, it faces a critical choice:

• Embrace newer, popular leaders like Tharoor and redefine its approach
  OR

• Stick to the old guard and risk appearing outdated to a changing electorate.

Either way, the Congress must prioritise unity, clarity, and grassroots mobilisation if it wants to return to power in Kerala. Internal squabbles, no matter how sharp or sarcastic, will only make that road harder.

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