Kochi, May 18 — The Congress party in Kerala on Sunday distanced itself from the ongoing controversy surrounding Shashi Tharoor’s decision to accept an invitation from the Centre to lead a multi-party delegation abroad.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan made it clear that the matter was under the purview of the party’s central leadership. Responding to media questions during an event in Paravur, Satheesan stated, "Tharoor is a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is a significant position. Leaders like us are at a lower level in the party hierarchy. The central leadership should express its opinion, and whatever be their view, we will also share it."
The controversy erupted after Tharoor accepted an official invitation from Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to lead a delegation abroad. The purpose of the delegation is to present India’s position against Pakistan on issues related to terrorism.
Tharoor defended his decision, stating that he saw no political angle in accepting the invite. "I was officially invited by the government in view of my past experience in foreign affairs, and I immediately agreed," he said.
His inclusion has raised eyebrows since the Congress had already submitted four names in response to the government’s request: former Union Minister Anand Sharma, Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain, and Lok Sabha MP Raja Brar.
The Congress leadership at the national level is yet to issue a formal statement on Tharoor’s decision.
