New Delhi, May 17 – The BJP on Saturday launched a sharp critique of the Congress party's choices for parliamentary delegations representing India abroad in the wake of Operation Sindoor, raising questions about the exclusion of senior leader Shashi Tharoor.
Tharoor, currently the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, was nominated by the government to lead one of the seven multi-party delegations tasked with conveying India’s position on Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism following Operation Sindoor.
However, the Congress named four other MPs – Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar – when asked to propose names for the delegation. Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh confirmed these nominations.
BJP Raises Eyebrows Over Tharoor's Omission
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT department, questioned the Congress party’s internal dynamics, particularly focusing on Tharoor’s exclusion. In a post on social media platform X, Malviya wrote, “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?”Malviya went on to suggest motives behind the decision, asking whether it was due to “insecurity, jealousy, or intolerance of anyone who outshines the 'high command’.”
Echoing this sentiment, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged intra-party opposition, saying, “So, Jairam Ramesh opposes his own Congressman Shashi Tharoor for being chosen to lead one of the Parliamentary delegations.” He added, “Why does Rahul Gandhi hate every individual who speaks for India, even in his own party?”
Controversy Over Other Congress Delegates
The BJP further intensified its criticism by targeting other nominated Congress MPs. Malviya questioned the inclusion of Syed Naseer Hussain, recalling an earlier incident where "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans were allegedly raised inside Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha following Hussain’s Rajya Sabha victory. Bengaluru Police had arrested three individuals in connection with the incident, based on forensic and witness evidence.Malviya also targeted Gaurav Gogoi, citing allegations from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that Gogoi spent 15 days in Pakistan, allegedly crossing through the Atari border. Referring to these claims and others involving Gogoi’s wife, Malviya questioned the credibility of such MPs to represent India on sensitive international matters involving Pakistan.
“Deeply Questionable” Choices, Says BJP
Calling the Congress’ selections "deeply questionable", Malviya asked, “What message is the Congress trying to send, and whose interests are really being served?”The BJP’s critique underscores broader political tensions as India intensifies its diplomatic messaging following the terror-linked violence that triggered Operation Sindoor. The selection of delegation members has now emerged as a flashpoint between the ruling party and the opposition, reflecting deeper disagreements on national representation and internal party coherence.