Is Shashi Tharoor in Congress or Not? Udit Raj Critiques Government Over All-Party Delegation; BJP Reacts

New Delhi, May 17 (NationPress) Congress leader Udit Raj on Saturday delivered a sharp critique of the government regarding the structure and objectives of the All-Party Delegations being dispatched to crucial partner nations, voicing frustration over what he termed a tardy diplomatic initiative.

In an interview with IANS, Raj remarked, "During the India-Pakistan conflict, India was isolated. No other nation supported us. Now, while MPs are engaging in diplomacy, which is commendable, the real issue is our inability to garner international support when it mattered."

He further accused the government of having "already faltered when it was essential to isolate Pakistan," condemning the efficacy of the External Affairs Ministry.

"The Foreign Minister, with an IFS background, has utterly failed," he stated, questioning the selection criteria for the MPs in the delegation.

"What standards are being used to determine who should participate? Let the party make that decision," he asserted.

Raj also charged the ruling party with exploiting the sacrifices of the Indian military for political gain, stating, "This was the military's struggle. They cannot leverage it for their benefit. It is a disrespect to both the citizens and the Army."

Focusing on Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s role in the diplomatic efforts, Raj commented, "Why is the media concerned about Shashi Tharoor? If PM Modi has included him from his quota, what’s the issue? Additionally, it's challenging to ascertain whether Shashi Tharoor is part of Congress or BJP."

In response, BJP spokesperson Rohan Gupta retorted that the Congress party was "afflicted with a court mentality." He accused Congress of being fragmented and disconnected from the national sentiment.

"When Shashi Tharoor praised the country and its global engagements, it posed a problem for Congress. This mentality has led Congress to stagnation today," Gupta stated.

He claimed that Congress leaders, whom he labeled as "courtmen," frequently "oppose the army, demand evidence, or align with the nation's adversaries."

Gupta noted the party’s confusion when it excluded Tharoor from the official delegation, despite his vast international experience.

"This indicates that even Congress perceives Shashi Tharoor as not truly belonging to the party. If they did, there’s no one comparable to him with such foreign policy expertise," he remarked.

In a powerful conclusion, Gupta emphasized, "Regardless of Congress’s stance, the Indian government and BJP will always prioritize the nation."