The divide within Congress, especially its Kerala branch, is getting wider as Shashi Tharoor lashed out at the party's state unit leader K Muraleedharan on Tuesday and challenged his party role. This follows Muraleedharan, who has been vociferous about criticising Tharoor for some time now, on Sunday stating that the latter would not be invited to any party function in the state capital unless he shifts his stance regarding the issue of national security.
He stated that Tharoor was "not one of us".
Adding to this, Tharoor stated that there should be some ground to make such a statement. Not mentioning Muraleedharan but referring to him, he stated, "First of all, it seems to me that the individuals who are saying this also need to have a basis for saying so. Who are they? What is the position of their party? I would like to know."
The new exchange of biting comments between the two leaders began when Tharoor, speaking on national security on Saturday, stated that politics in any democracy is unfortunately also about competition and went on to say that at times cross-party collaboration might also be interpreted as disloyalty.
"Politics is… about competition. When individuals such as I state we respect our parties… but we must work together with other parties in the best interest of national security…at times the parties are perceived to be doing something disloyal. That turns into a large issue," he had stated.
A lot of individuals have been extremely critical of me due to the position I've taken in favour of our military and our government… But I will stand my ground because I believe this is the right thing for the nation," he added.
He further stated that for him, the country is the priority and parties were simply a means to improve the country. "To my mind, the nation comes first. Parties are a means of making the nation better," said Tharoor. "Whichever party you belong to, the goal of that party is to build a better India in its own way."
Also read: Tharoor is no longer 'one of us', says Congress' Muraleedharan
This did not go down well with Muraleedharan, who on Sunday stated that Tharoor will not receive an invitation to any party program in the capital, Kerala.
He further said that the national leadership of the party would take the necessary action against Tharoor.
"Until he (Tharoor) retracts his position, we will not extend an invitation to participate in any party program organised in Thiruvananthapuram. He is not with us, and hence there is no talk of him boycotting any event," Muraleedharan informed the media.
Continuing his attack on Tharoor, Muraleedharan on Monday threatened him stating that the high command of the party will determine if action will be taken against him or if he can remain.
Talking to the media, Muraleedharan stated, "The last word will be with the Congress high command, who will decide whether he should be taken action against or permitted to stay in the party. We are not yet willing to cooperate with him in Kerala as he always keeps targeting the Congress and Indira Gandhi."
He further stated that the party was dissatisfied with the performance of Tharoor in Kerala and that he is no longer visiting his parliamentary constituency Thiruvananthapuram.
"We are disappointed with his performance in Kerala. He is no longer visiting his parliamentary constituency. We have decided that we will not support him in the next local body elections. We will abide by the instructions received by the high command," he added.
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