Tharoor currently holds dual roles — as a sitting Member of Parliament and as chairman of a key Standing Committee appointed by the party. Muraleedharan said it was Tharoor’s responsibility to balance both his parliamentary and organisational duties and to raise differing views within the internal mechanisms of the party.

“If he expresses his dissent within the party framework, there is space for that,” Muraleedharan said. “But if he feels suffocated, he must make a decision rather than sending confusing signals that affect his own political identity.”

He further warned that any attempt to take a position outside the two stated options would be detrimental not just to the Congress but to Tharoor himself. “As a fellow colleague, I urge him to choose one of the two paths available,” he said.

Responding to a question on Tharoor’s frequent praise for leaders from other parties — including Prime Minister Narendra Modi — Muraleedharan said, “He praises everyone except Congress leaders.”