Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly reacted to the ongoing criticism from Kerala leader K Muraleedharan, challenging the authority and relevance of those voicing such attacks against him within the party.“Who are they, and what position do they hold?” Tharoor asked, reacting to remarks that he should be excluded from party events in Thiruvananthapuram unless he alters his stand on national security.
Muraleedharan had stated that Tharoor, a Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, would not be invited to party programmes in the state capital, claiming he was no longer viewed as "one of us." Tharoor countered, saying such views should be backed by valid authority within the party and expressed confidence in his stance.
The controversy began after Tharoor publicly supported the Indian armed forces and the central government following recent national security developments. Speaking at an event in Kochi, Tharoor said he would not compromise on his beliefs. “The nation comes first. Political parties are tools to serve the nation, not the other way around,” he said.
He noted that some within his own party had turned critical of him for promoting bipartisan cooperation on issues of national security. According to Tharoor, this tendency to label such cooperation as disloyalty poses a serious challenge to meaningful political dialogue.
The rift deepened after Tharoor shared a survey that showed him as the UDF’s most popular choice for Kerala Chief Minister. Muraleedharan responded sharply, suggesting Tharoor should first clarify which party he truly belongs to.
Despite the internal friction, Tharoor maintained that his commitment lies with the nation above party lines, and he will continue to voice what he believes is in the country's best interest.
