During a delegation visit under Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's leadership to the United States, controversy erupted when it was reported that a young BJP MP privately met with US President Donald Trump, raising questions about protocol breaches.
Karnataka Minister and Congress Leader Priyank Kharge questioned the central government and the foreign ministry sharply. He stated that if the allegations about the BJP MP's immature behavior are true, it is deeply embarrassing. Kharge branded it as a humiliating blow to India's institutional dignity and diplomatic reputation.
Posting on X, Priyank Kharge asked whether the foreign ministry was consulted or informed about the BJP MP's meeting with Trump. Kharge questioned, what justifies such erratic and immature behavior when part of an official delegation? Who is this young BJP MP, and what action has the government taken on this grave breach?
Source: aajtak
What Happened During the US Visit?
The news shared by Kharge revealed that the young BJP MP in the delegation was provoked when Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora met Trump's sons - Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Deora, having connections with various businesspeople, intended to keep up with the diplomatic efforts. Observing this, the young BJP MP attempted to arrange a high-profile meeting but was unable to secure an appointment. Thus, the MP decided to meet Trump through an old friend residing in the U.S.
The young BJP MP visited Trump's lavish golf estate, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida with his friend. During the meeting, the MP was introduced as a 'close associate of India's Prime Minister.' Reports also indicated that Trump's remarks in the meeting were scathing, leaving the MP embarrassed, which led to their reticence upon returning to India. Although BJP leadership expressed displeasure, the MP received merely a warning.
Priyank Kharge's Criticism of the Center
Priyank Kharge emphasized that this is not a trivial political gossip; it is a grave affront to India's institutional integrity and diplomatic standing. Accountability must be established. He accused the central government of equivocating in granting investment tour permissions to states, while BJP MPs disregard protocols abroad for ‘photo-ops.’ He recalled an incident from January when the foreign ministry initially denied him permission to attend the Bio 2025 conference in the U.S., but the government reversed its decision after he raised the issue publicly.
Who Were Part of the Delegation?
Under the leadership of Shashi Tharoor, the delegation comprised Shambhavi Chaudhary (LJP), Sarfaraz Ahmed (JMM), Harish Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Tejasvi Surya (BJP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Mallikarjun Deora (Shiv Sena), and former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
