In response to the inclusion of only one Congress-proposed name in the seven delegations crafted by the central government to project India's stand against Pakistan-supported terrorism globally, the party expressed sharp criticism on Saturday. They condemned this as the Modi government's 'complete insensitivity' and 'cheap political stunts on serious national issues.'
On the government's request, Congress proposed the names Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Nasir Hussain, and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on May 16. However, only Anand Sharma was included in the final list, with others being overlooked.
The Congress further claimed that four Congress leaders — Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tiwari, Amar Singh, and Salman Khurshid — were nominated arbitrarily to the delegations without party consent.
Read More: With Shashi Tharoor in the USA, Owaisi in Saudi Arabia... Global delegations will expose PAK lawmakers
Accusation by Jairam Ramesh
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated, “This reflects the Modi government's insensitivity and how it engages in cheap politics, even on crucial issues like national security.” He emphasized Congress's support for the participation of these leaders on foreign tours but criticized how Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP disregard parliamentary traditions.
Ramesh called for the government to convene an all-party meeting and reiterated the resolution adopted on February 22, 1994, emphasizing that Parliament's special session should focus on developments since then. Congress expressed dissatisfaction with Tharoor leading a delegation, accusing the government of having a 'mischievous' mindset.
Read More: Pakistan plans tit-for-tat with India’s response, sending a foreign team led by Bilawal Bhutto
51 Leaders Head Abroad
Notably, to present India's resolve against terrorism under 'Operation Sindoor,' seven delegations comprising 51 political leaders, MPs, bureaucrats, and former ministers will visit global capitals. These diplomatic missions consist of seven teams, featuring 31 ruling NDA members and 20 non-NDA representatives, planned to visit the USA, Europe, Africa, Gulf, and Latin American countries.
The seven delegations, led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD-U), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (DMK), and Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), will cover 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels.
