Tharoor Responds to Congress Snub Over Delegation Role
Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his inclusion in an official delegation tasked with briefing foreign governments on the recent India-Pakistan standoff. While the central government handpicked Tharoor for the mission, the Congress party did not suggest his name — a move that has stirred political speculation.
Shashi Tharoor’s Response
Reacting to the Congress’s omission, Tharoor said, “The Centre chose who they felt was appropriate,” making it clear that he viewed the government’s decision as an acknowledgment of his experience and diplomatic acumen. He added that he was “honoured to serve the nation in whatever capacity is required,” underlining his commitment to national interest above party politics.
Tharoor further said that he respected the party’s right to form its own views. “A party has every right to decide whom they think is most appropriate or not,” he remarked. While not directly attacking the Congress leadership, his statements subtly reflected the tension between his growing national stature and the party’s internal calculations.
Political Reactions
Tharoor’s inclusion has led to divergent interpretations across the political spectrum. While BJP leaders welcomed his selection and called it a bipartisan gesture, some within the Congress viewed the move as “individualistic,” with party insiders reportedly miffed at Tharoor’s recent positions on foreign policy, especially regarding Operation Sindoor.
Several Congress voices hinted at internal friction, with murmurs that Tharoor’s public support for the government’s aggressive stance against Pakistan may have influenced the leadership’s decision to exclude him from its list of recommended delegates. Meanwhile, BJP leaders mocked the Congress, calling their omission an act of “insecurity and jealousy.”
Background and Delegation Role
Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations and a seasoned diplomat, has been vocal in backing India’s right to retaliate in the face of terror threats. His diplomatic credibility and communication skills made him a logical choice for the government to include in the seven-member cross-party delegation now tasked with engaging with foreign governments on India’s position post-Operation Sindoor.
Despite the snub from his party, Tharoor reiterated his focus on representing the nation. “This is not about party lines. It’s about India. When called to serve, I will,” he stated, making it evident that his immediate allegiance lies with the national interest, even if it causes friction within his own party.
As the delegation prepares to brief key international allies, the spotlight remains on Tharoor — not just for what he says abroad, but also for how his balancing act between party loyalty and statesmanship unfolds back home.
