Shashi Tharoor Faces Heat as Congress Leader Declares ‘Not One of Us’ Amid National Security Row
Amid a deepening rift in the Congress, senior party leader K Muraleedharan on Sunday declared that Shashi Tharoor, MP and Congress Working Committee member, is “no longer one of us” and will not be invited to any party programmes in Thiruvananthapuram until he changes his stance on national security. The sharp remarks underline growing tensions within the party as it plans to target the Modi government over security lapses during the upcoming Monsoon Session.
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Muraleedharan stated that Tharoor’s recent comments supporting a ‘nation first’ approach, including cooperation with the central government and armed forces over border issues, were against the party’s position. “Till he 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,” Muraleedharan said.
The Congress leader’s comments come a day after Tharoor defended his stand during an event in Kochi, saying, “I will stand my ground because I believe this is the right thing for the country.” Tharoor, who led India’s all-party delegation on Operation Sindoor to the Americas, added that political parties exist to make countries better, not weaken them, even if it means working with opponents on national security.
The public fallout follows Tharoor’s recent article in a Malayalam daily criticising former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi over the Emergency, and a survey he shared indicating that he was the United Democratic Front’s preferred choice for Kerala Chief Minister. Muraleedharan had previously criticised Tharoor over the survey, saying he “should first decide which party he belongs to.”
The Congress is preparing to corner the Narendra Modi government in the Monsoon Session over the Pahalgam terror attacks and the outcomes under Operation Sindoor, describing the incidents as “security lapses.” Tharoor’s stance, seen by some within the party as supportive of the central government’s efforts, has created discomfort within the Congress, with sections of the leadership viewing it as undercutting the party’s position.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with many praising Tharoor for prioritising the nation’s interests, while others argue that he is weakening opposition unity ahead of critical parliamentary sessions. Party workers in Kerala have also expressed concern over the visible infighting, urging the leadership to address internal disagreements without public confrontations.
This latest dispute adds to existing tensions within the Congress, which has seen increasing friction between its central leadership and regional leaders over candidate selections and ideological positioning ahead of state elections. It also comes at a time when the party, along with other INDIA bloc members, is attempting to present a united front against the BJP on issues of governance and security
