The Congress party’s internal tensions flared up once again as senior leader and Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor responded sharply to criticism from within his own party ranks. Tharoor, who has been under fire for a series of statements perceived as supportive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, faced fresh backlash after Congress veteran K Muraleedharan publicly stated that Tharoor would no longer be welcome at party programs in Kerala.
Muraleedharan, a four-time MP and former minister, expressed discontent over Tharoor’s remarks following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s counter-offensive, Operation Sindoor, calling Tharoor’s stance contrary to party sentiment.
“He is not with us, so there is no question of him boycotting an event,” Muraleedharan remarked, effectively sidelining Tharoor until he “changes his stance.”
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, a visibly frustrated Tharoor did not directly name Muraleedharan but made his disapproval clear.
“The people who are saying this should have some basis. Who are they? I want to know. Don’t ask me about others’ behavior. I can only talk about mine,” Tharoor said.
Survey Controversy Adds Fuel
The rift widened further after a controversial survey suggested Shashi Tharoor was the most preferred leader to replace Pinarayi Vijayan as Kerala Chief Minister. Congress leaders quickly dismissed the survey as “cooked up” and without credibility.
“Such surveys have no value. You will see many like this before the elections,” a senior Congress member said, denying any internal endorsement of Tharoor as a CM face.
Development Over Politics
Tharoor’s recent positioning—favoring development and national interest over party politics—has drawn criticism from Congress loyalists. His remarks applauding PM Modi’s leadership in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, along with past praise for Modi’s “dynamism,” have not sat well with the party high command.
Despite this, Tharoor has stood his ground.
“I won’t back down from what I believe is right for the country,” he said, reiterating his commitment to development-centric discourse.
History of Strained Ties
This is not the first time Shashi Tharoor has butted heads with Congress leadership. He was part of the G-23 faction that, in 2021, openly questioned the Gandhi family’s leadership after a string of election defeats. While he has publicly maintained loyalty to the party’s ideology, internal friction has been persistent.
In a recent interview with NDTV, Tharoor acknowledged “differences of opinion with elements of the leadership” but dismissed any talks of quitting the party or joining the BJP.
“I’ve been loyal to the Congress and its ideals for 16 years. Praising the Prime Minister’s leadership doesn’t mean I’m switching sides,” he clarified.
Tharoor’s inclusion in briefings to foreign governments after the Pahalgam attack—normally a privilege for key opposition figures—was seen by some in Congress as a sign of growing trust between him and the BJP-led central government.
Congress at Crossroads
As Lok Sabha elections approach, the Shashi Tharoor Congress rift raises critical questions about the party’s internal unity, leadership tolerance, and ability to accommodate divergent views within its ranks.
While Tharoor maintains he’s simply voicing what’s “right for the country,” the Congress seems increasingly wary of his independent tone—especially when it overlaps with the ruling party’s narrative.
Whether this ongoing feud leads to a split, a compromise, or a political realignment remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the Congress’ Tharoor dilemma is far from over.
