Shashi Tharoor "Not One Of Us Anymore," Says Congress Leader Amid Party Rift

Amid intensifying tensions within the Congress party, senior leader K Muraleedharan on Sunday made a striking remark, stating that fellow Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is "no longer one of us." He further declared that Tharoor would not be invited to any party event in Thiruvananthapuram unless he reconsiders his position on national security.

Muraleedharan, addressing reporters, made it clear that the decision regarding any disciplinary action against Tharoor rests with the party's national leadership. "Until 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 stated.

His comments were in response to questions about Tharoor's recent remarks in support of the armed forces and the central government concerning developments at India's borders. Despite criticism from within his own party, Tharoor has stood firm, saying that national interest must take precedence over party lines.

Speaking at an event in Kochi on Saturday, Tharoor defended his position, stating, "The nation comes first. Political parties are only a means to make the country better." He also acknowledged that he had faced significant backlash for backing the central government's stand on the recent national security developments.

"But I will stand my ground, because I believe this is the right thing for the country," Tharoor asserted.

Tharoor is currently a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), but Muraleedharan's latest statement underscores a growing divide, especially within the Kerala unit of the party. The national leadership has not yet responded publicly to the controversy.