Why Did BJP Criticize Congress for Excluding Manish Tewari from the 'Operation Sindoor' Debate?
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Synopsis
The BJP's recent condemnation of the Congress over the omission of Manish Tewari from the 'Operation Sindoor' debate raises questions about internal party dynamics and the implications for opposition unity. This controversy reveals deeper tensions and the potential impact on the upcoming parliamentary discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor were excluded from the debate on 'Operation Sindoor'.
- The BJP criticized Congress for stifling its own voices.
- The controversy highlights potential internal strife within the Congress party.
- Congress leaders attempted to downplay the significance of the exclusion.
- The political implications could affect the upcoming parliamentary discussions.
New Delhi, July 29 (NationPress) The BJP has escalated its criticism against the Congress party for excluding prominent Congress figure and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari from the Lok Sabha discussion on 'Operation Sindoor.' This move has been labeled as a stark illustration of the "Rahul Gandhi-led Congress" suppressing its own members.
The BJP accused Congress of intentionally marginalizing Tewari and fellow leader Shashi Tharoor, claiming their involvement would have underscored the achievements of India’s diplomatic initiatives and the worldwide condemnation following the recent terrorist incident in Pahalgam.
The uproar began when the Congress unveiled its official roster of speakers for the significant debate on 'Operation Sindoor' in Parliament. The absence of Tewari and Tharoor — both of whom represented India in international delegations — drew criticism from various political factions.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur stated to IANS, “The 'Operation Sindoor' debate is a testament to how the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is operating. Leaders like Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor were appointed by Prime Minister Modi to represent the nation abroad post-terror attack, yet they were barred from addressing Parliament. Is it because their contributions could have validated the government's efforts and unveiled the global denunciation of terrorism? Such recognition would undermine the narrative of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.”
He further commented, “Even with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar presenting comprehensive data in the House, Congress members continued to echo repetitive and unfounded claims. Allowing those members who observed the triumph of India’s diplomacy to speak would have disrupted their political agenda.”
Another BJP leader, Jogaram Patel, also weighed in, questioning the Congress’s internal decision-making process.
“Manish Tewari possesses extensive knowledge in foreign relations. He was part of the international delegations for the 'Operation Sindoor' outreach, effectively articulating India’s stance. Excluding him from the debate panel indicates a desire to suppress the truth. If any integrity remains in the party, they must permit Tewari and Tharoor to share their insights.”
In response, Congress leader Pawan Bansal attempted to diminish the controversy.
“It is the party president or leadership who determines which members will address Parliament during a debate. I prefer not to elaborate on internal decisions,” he conveyed to IANS.
Earlier on the same day, Congress MP Manish Tewari posted a cryptic message on social media, a day after the party released its official list of speakers for the 'Operation Sindoor' debate — a list that notably omitted his name.
The exclusion of the Chandigarh MP, along with that of senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, has sparked speculation within political circles and revealed signs of internal strife within the party.
This controversy unfolds as the Opposition seeks to mount a robust challenge against the Centre during the critical 'Operation Sindoor' debate.
On X, Tewari shared lines from a classic patriotic song from the 1970 Bollywood film 'Purab Aur Pachhim' alongside a news article regarding the speaker list controversy.
"Hai preet jahaan ki reet sadaa, main geet wahaan ke gaata hoon; Bharat ka rehne waala hoon; Bharat ki baat sunata hoon," he concluded his post with "Jai Hind".
Congress MP Amar Singh, who was also part of an international outreach delegation, was also not included in the roster of speakers.
Sources within Congress indicated that Tharoor, often seen as one of the party’s most articulate representatives in Parliament, was invited to take part in the debate but declined for undisclosed reasons.
Point of View
It is essential to understand the complexities of political maneuvers, especially in a democracy like India. The exclusion of voices like Tewari's and Tharoor's not only highlights internal discord within Congress but also raises concerns about the party's strategy in addressing critical issues. The BJP's response further underscores the contentious nature of contemporary political discourse. It is imperative for all parties to foster open dialogue, especially during significant debates.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Manish Tewari excluded from the debate?
The BJP claims that Tewari's exclusion was a deliberate move by Congress to suppress voices that could praise the government's diplomatic efforts following a terrorist attack.
What does the BJP say about the Congress's decision?
The BJP argues that Congress is stifling its own leaders and that allowing Tewari and Tharoor to speak would have contradicted their political narrative.
How has the Congress responded to the controversy?
Congress leader Pawan Bansal stated that the decision on who speaks in Parliament is made by the party leadership, downplaying the situation.
What was Tewari's reaction on social media?
Tewari shared a cryptic message from a popular patriotic song, hinting at his disappointment over being excluded.
What does this controversy reveal about Congress?
The situation indicates significant internal discord and raises questions about the party's strategy and unity during critical debates.
