As the Modi government prepares for a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, it has formed seven teams comprising leaders from various parties, including an all-party delegation, to counter Pakistan’s support for terrorism and its role in inciting violence. These teams will highlight India’s stance on terrorism at the United Nations Security Council and other global platforms.
The central government’s approach to selecting these all-party leaders has sparked controversy. While the Congress party submitted a list of four names, the government overlooked them and instead chose senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, delivering a shock to the party. Furthermore, Tharoor has been appointed to lead one of the seven teams.
This development is likely to widen the rift between Congress and Tharoor. The party has struggled to accept Tharoor’s favorable stance toward the BJP. Congress is questioning why none of the leaders it proposed were included in the leadership of the seven teams tasked with representing India on international forums. Congress senior leader and media in-charge Jairam Ramesh criticized the selection, questioning why an individual not proposed by the party was chosen.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that discussions were held with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Congress had finalized four names for the delegation:
- Anand Sharma
- Gaurav Gogoi
- Syed Naseer Hussain
- Amrinder Singh Raja Warring
Despite Congress submitting these names, the government unexpectedly selected Tharoor, not only including him but also assigning him leadership of one team, making it a hot topic. Amid the ceasefire with Pakistan and U.S. President Trump’s intervention, opposition parties, including Congress, objected to the decision, calling it misguided. Surprisingly, Tharoor supported the central government, backing the Modi administration.
Tharoor clarified that his comments were made in a personal capacity. He described the opportunity to lead an all-party team as a great honor and stated his readiness to serve if the government deemed his services necessary. He affirmed his commitment to contributing to the nation’s interests and security. These developments suggest a growing distance between Tharoor and Congress, and only time will reveal what unfolds next.
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