‘Nation comes first’: Tharoor defends cross-party cooperation amid Congress loyalty row

Kochi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated on Saturday that it is sometimes necessary to cooperate with other political parties in the interest of national security. Speaking during an event in Kochi, he was responding to a student's question about his equation with the Congress high command.

Tharoor emphasised that his first commitment is to the nation, not party loyalty. "Politics is unfortunately or otherwise in any democracy about competition. As a result, when people like me say that we respect our parties, we have certain values and convictions which keep us in our parties. But we need to cooperate with other parties in the interest of national security... To my mind, the nation comes first," he said.

He asserted that every political party, irrespective of ideology, shares a common objective: to build a better India. "Parties are a means of making the nation better. So to my mind, whichever party you belong to, the objective of that party is to create a better India in its own way," Tharoor said.

Commitment to national security

The Congress MP reiterated his belief in a secure and united India. "Some of us may say, let's say, more capitalism. Some may say more socialism... But ultimately, we must all be committed to a better India, a safer India, an India whose borders are protected, whose territory is safe, whose people's well-being can be nurtured. And that is my commitment," he said.

He urged political unity during times of crisis. Quoting Jawaharlal Nehru, he said, "Who lives if India dies? And that's a question to which there is no answer. India must come first, and then only can we all live."

Survey sparks intra-party tension

Tharoor’s remarks came in the backdrop of internal tensions in the Kerala Congress unit ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. A survey conducted by Vote Vibe projected him as the most preferred Chief Ministerial face among United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders. The survey, with over 10,000 respondents across Kerala, reflected rising anti-incumbency against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Nearly 48 per cent expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Among UDF supporters, Tharoor received 28.3 per cent support, ahead of Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan (15.4 per cent). On the LDF side, former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja outpolled Vijayan.

However, Congress Working Committee member K. Muraleedharan questioned Tharoor’s allegiance. Reacting to the MP’s social media post acknowledging the survey with a folded hands emoji, Muraleedharan said, “He should first decide which party he belongs to.”

Tharoor’s rising visibility and public positions on key national matters have irked sections of the Congress. His remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, criticism of the Emergency in a newspaper article, and comments about the RSS distancing itself from Manusmriti have unsettled party leaders.

Further controversy arose after Tharoor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conduct during Operation Sindoor, noting his “energy” and “dynamism” in a published article later shared by the PMO. This prompted a veiled remark from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge: “We say nation first, but some consider Modi first, country later.”

Defending his stand, Tharoor said his comments were driven by national interest, not political loyalty. A cryptic post—“Don’t ask permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one”—fuelled further speculation.

Balancing popularity and party discipline

While Tharoor remains a popular figure beyond the Congress’ traditional base, his independent approach has caused unease within the party, particularly during an election buildup. Sources say such repeated divergences risk confusing voters and affecting campaign coherence.

With Assembly elections due in April next year, the Congress leadership is caught between Tharoor’s growing appeal and the need to project a unified front. While Satheesan has refrained from direct comment, the internal divide is becoming increasingly visible, posing a potential challenge to the party’s strategy in Kerala.