Thiruvananthapuram, May 18 — CPI Calls Out Tharoor Amid Operation Sindoor Fallout
Amid a growing controversy surrounding Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s acceptance of a government invitation to lead a multi-party delegation abroad post-Operation Sindoor, the Kerala unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) has sharply criticised Tharoor and questioned his political allegiance.CPI Kerala state secretary Binoy Viswom took to social media platform X to express his disapproval, suggesting that Tharoor might be positioning himself within what he referred to as BJP’s "sleeping cells" inside the Congress party.
“@RahulGandhi’s concern about BJP sleeping cells inside Congress is not so simple. It seems that @sashitharoor is in search of his berth in that cell. @BJP4India knows how to make use of such elements. For them, even the fight against terrorism is a hunt for party gains!” Viswom wrote.
CPI Accuses BJP of Politicising Anti-Terror Efforts
Viswom also accused the BJP of leveraging the country’s counter-terrorism narrative for political benefit, particularly in the context of Operation Sindoor — a recent national security operation against terror networks linked to Pakistan.The statement reflects CPI’s discontent with both the Centre's selection process for the delegation and Tharoor’s perceived willingness to bypass party protocol.
Congress Did Not Nominate Tharoor
Tharoor’s acceptance of the leadership role in the delegation has stirred controversy as he was not among the four Congress MPs officially nominated by the party. The Congress had recommended Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar in response to the Centre's request.Tharoor Defends His Decision
Responding to the backlash, Tharoor clarified on Saturday that his decision was devoid of political calculations and was made purely in the national interest. He said Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had extended the formal invitation citing Tharoor’s extensive experience in foreign affairs, prompting him to accept without hesitation.“I see no politics in it. According to me, politics becomes important when we have a nation. We all are Indians. When the nation is in crisis and the central government seeks the help of a citizen, what other answer would you give?” Tharoor told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
