The simmering feud between Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and a section of the Kerala Congress leadership has escalated dramatically, with senior leader K. Muraleedharan openly criticizing Tharoor's stance on national security and his perceived closeness to the Modi government. Muraleedharan has declared that Tharoor will not be invited to any party programs in Thiruvananthapuram unless he changes his position on national security matters, effectively isolating him from party activities in his own constituency.
The immediate trigger for this public outburst appears to be Tharoor's remarks following the Pahalgam terror attack and his support for "Operation Sindoor," where he seemed to endorse the Modi government's security policies. This perceived alignment with the ruling party has not gone down well with many within the Congress, particularly in Kerala, where leaders are wary of any softening of stance against the BJP.
Muraleedharan has been particularly vocal in his criticism, stating that Tharoor is no longer considered "one of us". He has accused Tharoor of "attacking the Congress and Indira Gandhi" and of consistently opposing Rahul Gandhi's statements. Furthermore, Muraleedharan alleged that Tharoor is not attending to his parliamentary constituency and that the party has decided not to cooperate with him in upcoming local body elections. He has also suggested that the Congress high command will ultimately decide whether to take action against Tharoor or allow him to remain in the party.
Other Congress leaders have also joined in the criticism. Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan alleged that Tharoor passes on information from Congress Parliamentary Party meetings to Prime Minister Modi and suggested that Tharoor should no longer be allowed to attend these meetings. Udit Raj has previously called Tharoor the "super spokesperson of the BJP".
Tharoor has defended his position by asserting that "nation comes before party" and that he believes in cooperating with other parties in the interest of national security. He has emphasized the importance of unity among political parties when the nation is "imperiled," quoting Jawaharlal Nehru's famous line, "Who lives if India dies?". He has also stated that while he respects his party and its values, his commitment is to a better and safer India.
The current situation has fueled speculation about Tharoor's future in the Congress party. Some reports suggest that he may be considered for the position of Vice-President of India, potentially with the support of the BJP. However, such a move would likely signify a final parting of ways between Tharoor and the Congress.
The rift between Tharoor and the Kerala Congress highlights a broader debate within the party about how to balance national interests with party ideology and strategy. Tharoor's independent streak and his willingness to engage with the Modi government on certain issues have clearly ruffled feathers within the Congress, leading to his current isolation within the Kerala unit. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this conflict can be resolved or whether it will lead to a permanent split.
