The Congress party was surprised when the central government chose Shashi Tharoor to lead a seven-member all-party delegation on a five-nation tour, instead of the four MPs suggested by the Congress.
New Delhi: Delhi's political scene is once again heating up. This time, the controversy revolves around the all-party delegation (APD) constituted by the central government. The government bypassed the names suggested by the Congress party and appointed Shashi Tharoor as the delegation's leader.
The four MPs suggested by the Congress did not include Shashi Tharoor. Despite this, the central government entrusted Tharoor with leading the seven-member delegation on a five-nation tour.
The Central Government's Decision and Congress's Reaction
The Indian government formed a seven-member all-party delegation tasked with briefing major world powers on India's position amidst the recent India-Pakistan tensions. Shashi Tharoor will lead this delegation.
The Congress party reacted bly, stating that none of the four names it submitted were accepted. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh explained that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had requested four names from the party, which were sent by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. These names were Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Dr. Syed Nasir Hussain, and Raja Brar.
However, the central government overlooked all these names and appointed Shashi Tharoor. This move was not only surprising for the Congress but also sparked internal questions within the party.
The Delegation's Mission and Itinerary
The all-party delegation will embark on a 10-day foreign trip starting May 23. The delegation will visit Washington, London, Abu Dhabi, Pretoria, and Tokyo. The main objective is to firmly present India's Zero Tolerance Policy and the steps taken under Operation Sindur on the international stage.
It is noteworthy that India recently conducted a major airstrike on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, under Operation Sindur.
Shashi Tharoor's Statement: I Will Not Back Down in the National Interest
Responding to the central government's decision, Shashi Tharoor expressed his honor. He stated that he would not back down under any circumstances when it comes to national interest. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Where national interest is involved, I will never back down if my services are required."
BJP Questions Congress's Suggested Names
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya questioned the names suggested by the Congress. He claimed that Gaurav Gogoi and Syed Nasir Hussain had questionable links with Pakistan. Gogoi was even accused of spending 15 days in Pakistan and his wife having contacts with the Pakistani army.
Malviya sarcastically remarked that the BJP needs leaders like Shashi Tharoor because the Congress is sidelining its own talented leaders.
