A survey shared by Shashi Tharoor on social media, showing him as the top choice for United Democratic Front chief minister in Kerala, has generated sharp backlash from within Congress. Senior leader K. Muraleedharan shot back, first decide which party you belong to, questioning Tharoor’s loyalties.

Conducted by Vote Vibe, the survey placed Tharoor ahead with 28.3% support, followed by VD Satheesan at 17.5%. However, Congress’s KPCC president Sunny Joseph and former Kerala minister Ramesh Chennithala dismissed it as cooked up and lacking credibility.

Muraleedharan emphasized the matter is one for the party’s national leadership and underscored internal processes, asserting other capable leaders are also in contention. He described such discussions as unnecessary distractions and reiterated the party’s goal: winning the 2026 Assembly elections.

Tharoor, meanwhile, hinted at deeper party tensions after writing critically about the Emergency and not being invited to campaign in the Nilambur by‑election. Similarly, Satheesan declined direct comment, saying national leadership should respond, but clarified numerous surveys exist and that scores of aspirants remain.

This debate reflects the complex process of balance within the Congress - handling non -eternal ambitions, without damaging unity. Shashi Tharoor's public popularity and high acceptance makes him impressive, but at the same time his party also increases monitoring on loyalty. As Kerala is moving towards elections, it will be very important to handle these internal differences wisely-when the Congress is aiming to present a united candidate list and avoid public disputes before the election campaign.