Tensions Rise Within Kerala Congress
Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, recently shared a survey suggesting that 28.3% of respondents supported him as the most suitable CM face for Kerala. However, this act of self-promotion has not gone down well with his party colleagues.
“Pick Party First,” Says Muraleedharan
Reacting to Tharoor’s post, senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan commented bluntly, “He should first decide which party he belongs to.” He added that if the UDF comes to power in 2026, the CM will be decided through the party’s internal process—not popularity surveys.
“Our aim is to win the elections,” Muraleedharan told the media. “We are not interested in such unnecessary controversies.”
Praise for Modi Adds Fuel to Fire
Adding to the controversy, Tharoor’s occasional praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has infuriated party leaders. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said it was inappropriate for a Congress Working Committee (CWC) member to praise the Prime Minister.
“It is painful for all the Congress workers and leaders… It’s a very serious issue,” he told ANI.
Previous Tensions and Growing Rift
This is not the first time Tharoor has clashed with the Congress high command. His decision to contest the Congress presidential elections in 2022 reportedly created unease within the party. Most recently, his comments following the Pahalgam terror attack also sparked internal criticism.
While the Congress has remained silent on official action, the visible frustration among Kerala leaders indicates a widening rift ahead of the state polls.
2026 Kerala Elections in Sight
Kerala is expected to go to polls in April 2026 as the current LDF government, led by CPI(M) veteran Pinarayi Vijayan, completes its second term. With the opposition UDF looking to make a comeback, internal unity will be key to Congress’s strategy.
However, the public spat over leadership may hurt the party’s prospects unless resolved swiftly.
Party Stresses Internal Process
Muraleedharan reaffirmed that the Congress party has a clear framework for leadership selection. “There are many senior leaders in the Kerala unit. The final decision will come through discussion and consensus,” he stated.
Observers believe this incident could signal a power struggle between traditional Congress leadership and younger, media-savvy politicians like Tharoor, especially as elections near.
