In a sharp response to the recent criticisms levelled against him by senior Kerala Congress leader K. Muraleedharan, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has pushed back strongly, questioning the party position and authority of those targeting him. The controversy, which erupted over Tharoor’s recent remarks on national security and cooperation with the central government, has exposed deepening internal differences within the Kerala unit of the Congress party.

The latest round of political crossfire began when Muraleedharan, the son of former Kerala Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, launched a scathing attack on Tharoor. He accused him of being too soft on the central government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and openly declared that Tharoor would no longer be invited to any party programmes in Thiruvananthapuram unless he changed his stance.

Tharoor, known for his articulate and often independent views, responded in measured yet firm tones during an interaction with reporters. “First of all, it seems to me that the people saying this also have to have a basis for saying this. Who are they? What is their party’s position? I would like to know,” he stated, adding that those criticising him need to clarify their authority within the party before levelling public accusations.

Tharoor’s Position: Nation Above Party

This public spat follows Tharoor’s comments at an event in Kochi on Saturday, where he strongly defended India’s armed forces and supported the government’s measures taken in response to recent tensions at the country’s borders.

He had remarked, "The nation comes first. Parties are the means of making the country better, but the interest of the country should be paramount." This statement was interpreted by some within the party, especially in Kerala, as an indirect endorsement of the central government's recent defence policies.

Tharoor went on to say that "a lot of people have been critical of me because of my stand supporting the armed forces and the central government in connection with what happened recently at the borders. But I will stand my ground, because I believe this is the right thing for the country."

This expression of patriotic loyalty, even when it aligns with the opposing political party’s position, has raised eyebrows within the Congress party. Some leaders see this as a breach of party discipline, while others view it as an example of independent thinking in favour of national interest.

K. Muraleedharan’s Retort and Escalation

Muraleedharan’s comments were not just a political rebuttal; they represented a clear attempt to isolate Tharoor within the state Congress unit. He stated, “Till he (Tharoor) changes his stance, we will not invite him to any party programme held in Thiruvananthapuram. He is not with us, so there is no question of him boycotting an event.”

Furthermore, Muraleedharan accused Tharoor of not being aligned with the party’s collective stand, suggesting that he is acting as an individual rather than a committed member of the Congress team.

Adding to the embarrassment for the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken the opportunity to mock the party for its failure to include Tharoor in its delegation for Operation Sindoor, an initiative related to recent national defence efforts. The BJP questioned the Congress leadership’s decision to sideline one of its most internationally respected MPs during a critical political moment.

Intraparty Fault Lines Widen

What this episode reveals is not just a personality clash, but a deeper division within the Congress party about how to position itself in matters of national security and government response.

While the party, especially under Mallikarjun Kharge's presidency, has sought to strengthen its opposition posture against the BJP, leaders like Tharoor are attempting to carve out a more nuanced narrative—one that doesn't shy away from giving credit where it is due, even if it means praising certain government actions.

Tharoor has often stated that India's interests are bigger than political scoring, and that parties need to find areas of cooperation when it comes to national defence and foreign policy.

However, this principled stance often runs counter to the expectations of hardcore party loyalists, particularly in states like Kerala, where ideological battles with the BJP are intense and personal.

Is Tharoor Being Marginalised?

Tharoor’s remarks and Muraleedharan’s reactions raise the broader question: Is Shashi Tharoor being marginalised within his own party for having a more centrist or nationalist approach?

While Tharoor holds a formal position as a member of the Congress Working Committee, critics within the party argue that he acts independently and doesn't always align with the collective decisions.

His absence from major committees or delegations, despite his international reputation, fluency in foreign affairs, and popularity among younger voters, often appears as a deliberate sidelining strategy by the party’s old guard.

Some political observers note that Kerala’s Congress leaders see Tharoor as an outsider, someone who made his political entry late and without grassroots struggle. This perception makes it easier for figures like Muraleedharan to question his commitment or legitimacy within the state unit.

Tharoor’s Broader Appeal Beyond Kerala

Despite the current friction, Tharoor’s support base goes far beyond Kerala. His ability to speak across the aisle, connect with youth, and bring an intellectual sharpness to political debate gives him an edge in national discourse.

His recent statements are also seen as an attempt to redefine what it means to be in the opposition. Rather than opposing the government blindly, Tharoor wants to promote a model where constructive criticism and responsible cooperation can co-exist.

This places him in a unique ideological position within the Congress—not anti-government, but pro-India.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?

The current spat between Tharoor and Muraleedharan may not just be a temporary disagreement. It highlights a growing identity crisis within the Congress party, especially in how it wants to deal with internal dissent, national issues, and political strategy.

As the party prepares for upcoming state elections and possibly early general elections, it must decide whether it values diversity of opinion or prefers tight internal conformity.

If leaders like Shashi Tharoor continue to be targeted for speaking their mind, the Congress risks alienating not just a prominent figure, but also an entire segment of liberal, centrist voters who see Tharoor as a refreshing change from the usual political rhetoric.

The coming weeks will show whether the Congress chooses introspection over internal squabbles or continues to drift amid factionalism and personality clashes.

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