Centre Names Tharoor Despite Congress Exclusion
In a surprising twist, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been chosen by the central government to lead one of seven all-party delegations tasked with briefing key foreign capitals on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and India’s position on Operation Sindoor.
However, Tharoor’s selection has stirred fresh tensions within his own party. The Congress leadership had not included his name in the list of recommended MPs for this crucial diplomatic mission.
Congress’s Recommended Names Ignored
Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh clarified that the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, had requested the party to suggest four names. Congress submitted:
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Anand Sharma
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Gaurav Gogoi
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Syed Naseer Hussain
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Amrinder Singh Raja Warring
Tharoor’s name was not among them. Yet, the Centre went ahead and appointed him to lead one of the delegations, bypassing the Congress’s suggestions entirely.
Tharoor Responds with Diplomacy
Responding to the controversy, Shashi Tharoor chose to stay above the fray.
“When the national interest is involved and my services are required, I will not be found wanting,”
he stated, without directly commenting on the Congress snub.
He added that he was honoured by the government’s invitation to represent India in five key countries during this international outreach.
Likely to Head US Mission
Sources indicate Tharoor may lead the delegation to the United States, which had earlier claimed to have mediated the India-Pakistan ceasefire after three days of tension. India, however, maintains that the truce was the result of bilateral talks between the DGMOs of both countries, with no foreign mediation involved.
Growing Rift Within Congress
This latest development adds to a string of incidents that hint at growing friction between Tharoor and the Congress high command.
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Recently, Tharoor drew criticism from his party for defending the Centre on its handling of U.S. comments during the ceasefire episode.
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When questioned, he insisted his remarks were made as an “Indian and a proud citizen”, not as a party mouthpiece.
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Earlier this year, Tharoor also shared a stage with Prime Minister Modi at the Vizhinjam Port inauguration and praised the government’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.
These moves have raised eyebrows within Congress, with some leaders accusing him of crossing the ‘Lakshman Rekha’ of party loyalty.
Congress Leadership Caught Off Guard
The fact that Rahul Gandhi himself had submitted the names of four MPs makes the Centre’s decision to override those choices and appoint Tharoor all the more contentious.
It remains to be seen whether this diplomatic mission will help bridge or further widen the growing chasm between Tharoor and the Congress establishment.