New Delhi: The BJP had asked for four possible candidates from Congress to be part of the Central government’s diplomatic outreach delegations to foreign countries to explain India’s stance against terrorism.
The Congress provided four names — Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring — but the BJP government bypassed the former’s nominations to name Shashi Tharoor.
Congress was already miffed with its Thiruvananthapuram MP for openly backing India’s Operation Sindoor and the subsequent strikes on Pakistani airbases, because Tharoor was not authorised by the party to speak on these important issues.
And now that the BJP has chosen Tharoor as the representative from Congress in the all-party delegations selected to convey India’s message of zero tolerance to ‘key partner nations’, the grand old party hit out at the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of “playing games” with a “mischievous mindset”.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “Asking for four names, being given four names and not considering those names is dishonesty on the part of the government. We will not change these four names.”
“We are playing with a straight bat but can’t say how the government is playing. When the other team deploys bodyline tactics what can be said,” Ramesh said, using using cricket analogy.
In an apparent swipe at Tharoor, Ramesh said, “Congress mein hona aur Congress ka hona mein zameen-aasmaan ka antar hai (There is a difference between being in the Congress and of the Congress).”
Ramesh claimed that another senior party leader Salman Khurshid had also been approached by the government, but he told them that the party has to decide.
Alleging that the government was playing “Narad Muni politics”, Ramesh said, “You cannot include names of MPs (in delegations) without consulting the party.”
Is Congress insecure or jealous, asks Amit Malviya
Defending Tharoor’s inclusion in the diplomatic all-party delegations, BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya wondered whether Congress was insecure or jealous.
“No one can deny Shashi Tharoor’s eloquence, his long experience as a United Nations official, and his deep insights on matters of foreign policy. So why has the Congress Party — and Rahul Gandhi in particular — chosen not to nominate him for the multi-party delegations being sent abroad to explain India’s position on key issues? Is it insecurity? Jealousy? Or simply intolerance of anyone who outshines the ‘high command’?” Malviya posted on X.
The BJP leader also questioned Congress party’s choices for the diplomatic delegations, saying it was “shocking” that the likes of Syed Naseer Hussain and Gaurav Gogoi were named as these MPs faced “grave allegations.”
The Congress party’s choices to represent India at diplomatic meetings are not just intriguing — they are deeply questionable.
Take, for instance, the inclusion of Syed Naseer Hussain in a delegation representing India. It is truly shocking. Let’s not forget — it was his… https://t.co/10e95JrKUv
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 17, 2025
Won’t be found wanting, says Tharoor
Meanwhile, Tharoor said he was honoured by the government’s invitation.
“I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!” Tharoor said.
“To my mind, this has nothing to do with party politics. It’s all to do with what our country has been through in recent times and the need for us to present a united front…It is a good reflection of national unity at a time when unity is important,” Tharoor remarked.
#WATCH | Thiruvanthapuram | “Certainly, when the nation needs my services, I am available and I’m available for my country. To my mind, this has nothing to do with party politics. It’s all to do with what our country has been through in recent times and the need for us to present… pic.twitter.com/1vIJKkMoaW
— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2025
