Categories
The political controversy between the BJP and Congress ignited after it came to light that Mr. was excluded from the Congress’s official list of diplomatic outreach recommendations.
New Delhi:
While acknowledging Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s impressive international reputation and oratory skills, the BJP has questioned his standing within the Congress party. These remarks come amid discussions about the Centre’s decision to involve Tharoor in its diplomatic outreach following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military operation against Pakistan, known as Operation Sindoor.
Tensions between the BJP and Congress flared after it emerged that Mr. Tharoor was excluded from Congress’s official list of nominees for diplomatic assignments. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that Rahul Gandhi,
the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had submitted a roster of names to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Tharoor’s name was not on that list.
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya questioned, “No one can dispute Shashi Tharoor’s eloquence, his extensive experience as a United Nations official, or his profound understanding of foreign policy. So why has the Congress Party—especially Rahul Gandhi—decided against nominating him for the multi-party delegations traveling abroad to articulate India’s stance on critical issues? Could it be insecurity? Jealousy? Or simply an intolerance towards anyone who might overshadow the ‘high command’?
Mr. Ramesh later responded, saying it is “possible” that Mr. Rijiju had conversations with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Mr. Gandhi.
It’s possible that Mr. Rijiju spoke with Mr. Kharge and Mr. Gandhi after the government had already made its decision. There is no division within the party; it remains united. During Mr. Rijiju’s calls to Mr. Kharge and Mr. Gandhi, no names were discussed or suggested—no
Mr. Tharoor, the Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram and chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, has been appointed by the central government to lead one of seven all-party delegations. These delegations will visit important global capitals with the aim of showcasing a unified Indian stance following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. The missions are also intended to address issues related to Kashmir and combat Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism.
When the nation calls and my skills are needed, I will always be ready to serve. Jai Hind!” Mr. Tharoor posted on X.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has announced that the government has selected “articulate voices” from across party lines to represent India’s unified stance and firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. Seven delegations, each led by a seasoned Member of Parliament, have been assigned the responsibility of emphasizing India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Alongside Mr. Tharoor, the list features BJP MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha, DMK’s Kanimozhi, NCP-SP’s Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde. Four members are from the ruling NDA coalition, while three represent the opposition INDIA bloc.
Table of Contents
Mr. Malviya criticized the Congress party’s selections for representing India at diplomatic meetings, calling them not only intriguing but highly questionable.
Mr. Tharoor has repeatedly justified India’s assertive response following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, including the execution of cross-border strikes, in his recent interviews and public remarks.
However, his open support for the Centre’s stance seems to have caused unease within his own party. At a recent Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which was attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, and other senior leaders, party insiders revealed that a firm message was delivered: “this is not the time for expressing personal opinions.” A senior party member reportedly commented that Mr. Tharoor had “crossed the Lakshman Rekha.
Jairam Ramesh clarified that Mr. Tharoor’s recent remarks do not represent the official position of the party. “When Mr. Tharoor speaks, he is expressing his personal opinion, which does not reflect the party’s stance,” he stated.
READ ALSO……Shashi Tharoor Among 7 MPs Leading ‘Operation Sindoor’ Outreach
