"Being in Congress and of Congress are different," says Ramesh amid row over Tharoor's government-backed foreign mission
New Delhi, May 17 – Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, stirred political conversation on Friday with a pointed remark seemingly aimed at party colleague Shashi Tharoor, amid a row over Tharoor's inclusion in a government-nominated multi-party delegation tasked with representing India's stance on terrorism abroad.Responding to the controversy, Ramesh remarked, "There is a difference between being in the Congress and of the Congress," invoking the metaphor of the Congress party as the "mighty Ganga" with numerous tributaries—some of which, he noted, "dry up and some get polluted."
The comment follows the government's nomination of Tharoor, a senior Congress MP, as one of the leaders of seven international delegations to convey India's unified stance against terrorism. The initiative aims to promote a message of "zero tolerance" toward terrorism in key global capitals.
Accepting the role, Tharoor posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I am honoured by the invitation of the Government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation's point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!"
However, Ramesh criticised the lack of party consultation, asserting that individual MPs nominated for such official roles should seek the approval of their respective parties. "You (government) cannot include names of MPs in delegations without consulting the party," he said, adding that proper democratic protocol involves consulting Leaders of Opposition (LoPs).
He reiterated that the Congress had officially submitted four names to the government and that "there will be no change of names from the Congress' side." Ramesh also clarified that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s conversation with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi did not include a discussion of names.
"The ball is in the government's court now," Ramesh concluded, sidestepping questions on whether disciplinary action would be taken against Tharoor.
Meanwhile, the BJP seized the moment to question the Congress leadership’s handling of Tharoor, with Rijiju suggesting that the Congress may be sidelining him due to his rising profile. Rijiju also posted the official government list of delegation leaders, including Tharoor’s name, stating, "A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences."
The episode has further fueled speculation about internal divisions within the Congress as the party navigates its relationship with a prominent voice like Tharoor, who often takes an independent stance on national matters.
