Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 26 (NationPress) Rajmohan Unnithan, a two-time Congress MP from Kasaragod, has issued a stern caution to his party associate Shashi Tharoor, emphasizing that the Thiruvananthapuram MP must stop sending conflicting messages regarding his political allegiance.

“Shashi Tharoor should not presume that he can exit the Congress while wearing a martyr’s guise. If he intends to leave, he is welcome to do so -- no one is obstructing him,” Unnithan expressed to IANS.

He remarked that the Congress has consistently extended to Tharoor “more than the deserved respect, roles, and visibility,” yet accused him of consistently causing embarrassment to the party, particularly in Kerala.

“Rather than fortifying the party, he continually makes comments that place Congress in a challenging spot. His ongoing commendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- publicly and regularly -- cannot be overlooked any longer,” he stated.

Unnithan highlighted that the Congress is engaged in a nationwide struggle against the BJP and questioned how one of its own MPs could be “praising Modi’s addresses and labeling them as ‘cultural appeals’ and ‘economically visionary’.”

“This is unacceptable. Such actions undermine the Congress, especially at a time when we are striving to create a robust narrative in Kerala,” he further noted.

He emphasized that while the Congress appreciates democracy and internal discussions, it “does not support endorsing the BJP or its ideology.”

“If Tharoor wishes to assist Modi in enhancing his image, let him declare it openly. The party will no longer tolerate this covert, shadow conflict,” he asserted.

Unnithan, recognized for his sharp tongue, first gained prominence two decades ago after his split with veteran Congress leader K. Karunakaran. His passionate speeches even led to a brief venture in the Malayalam film industry.

Although he was defeated in his initial election against CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan in Tellicherry, he astonished many by winning the Kasaragod Lok Sabha seat in 2019 and successfully retaining it in 2024.

According to Unnithan, Tharoor has frequently discussed the vision of creating an India “where rivals cooperate and unite”, but he contended that the Congress cannot be expected to “whitewash the BJP’s politics.”

“Every time he commends Modi or challenges the Congress’s stance, he sends a misleading message to the people of Kerala. In a politically conscious state like ours, this has serious repercussions,” he warned.

He called on the Congress leadership to acknowledge the situation: “Silence can no longer be an option. Continuous praise of Modi from within the Congress cannot be trivialized as intellectual freedom or personal opinion. It is political messaging. If it harms the party, we are obligated to respond.”

“Let it be clear: Shashi Tharoor is not greater than the Congress,” Unnithan concluded.