In a heated escalation of tensions within the Congress party, MP Shashi Tharoor sharply responded to criticism from Kerala Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in New Delhi. Muraleedharan, on Sunday, declared that Tharoor, a Congress Working Committee member, would be excluded from party events in Thiruvananthapuram until he alters his stance on national security issues, asserting that Tharoor is no longer “one of us.”

Tharoor hit back, questioning Muraleedharan’s standing, stating to reporters, “Who are these people making such remarks, and what is their party position? I would like to know.” The row stems from Tharoor’s recent comments in Kochi, where he prioritized national interests over party loyalty, particularly in supporting the armed forces and central government on recent border-related developments. He emphasized, “I will stand my ground because I believe this is the right thing for the country,” despite facing backlash from within Congress for advocating cross-party cooperation on national security.

Muraleedharan’s criticism intensified after Tharoor shared a survey suggesting he is the United Democratic Front’s top choice for Kerala’s Chief Minister, prompting Muraleedharan to question Tharoor’s party allegiance. “He should first decide which party he belongs to,” Muraleedharan had remarked earlier.

Also Read: BJP Leader Slams Doubts on VP Dhankhar’s Resignation

The public spat highlights growing friction within the Congress, with Tharoor’s national security stance and perceived leadership ambitions clashing with party colleagues’ expectations, raising questions about unity ahead of key political battles in Kerala.

Also Read: Monsoon Session: Lok Sabha Chaos: Adjourned Amid Opposition Uproar