Growing rift? Tharoor not on the list Congress gave for delegation abroad

The Congress on Saturday (May 17) threw a bombshell by stating publicly that its four-time MP Shashi Tharoor was not among the four names it gave to the government to head an all-party delegation abroad to explain India’s stand on cross-border terrorism.

According to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asked the party on May 16 to suggest four names for inclusion in the delegations being sent abroad to articulate India's position on terrorism originating from Pakistan.

Names given by Congress

Within hours, party leader Rahul Gandhi presented four names to the government: Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar. Tharoor was not in the list.

But Rijiju’s parliamentary affairs ministry announced that Tharoor would head the all-party delegation.

The issue also exposes the growing rift between the Congress party and Tharoor on multiple issues.

Also Read: Tharoor, Kanimozhi in govt delegation to spread Op Sindoor message abroad

Other members named include those from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), DMK, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).

BJP flays Congress

A BJP leader questioned the names suggested by the Congress.

"The Congress party's choices to represent India at diplomatic meetings are not just intriguing, they are deeply questionable," wrote BJP’s Amit Malviya on X.

Also Read: Tharoor on Indo-Pak conflict: Spoke as proud Indian, not as Congress spokesperson

The seven-member delegation will embark on a 10-day diplomatic mission starting on May 23, visiting Washington, London, Abu Dhabi, Pretoria, and Tokyo.

Tharoor is happy

Each team is expected to present India's "zero-tolerance" policy on terrorism and highlight the military operation against Pakistan launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead.

Also Read: Honoured to lead all-party teams abroad on terrorism, says Tharoor

In contrast to the Congress’ misgivings on his selection, Tharoor said he was "honoured" by the invitation, and said that he will "not be found wanting" when national interests were involved.