Should Congress Have Reconsidered Its Involvement in Diplomatic Missions?

New Delhi, May 22 (NationPress) In the midst of India's ongoing diplomatic efforts to highlight Pakistan's involvement in promoting terrorism post-Operation Sindoor, a faction within the Congress party has voiced its unease regarding participation in delegations dispatched overseas to inform foreign governments.

Speaking to IANS, Senior Congress figure and Member of Parliament Tariq Anwar stated on Thursday that the party should have reassessed its involvement in these missions, particularly given the lack of substantial consultation with the Opposition by the government.

"I recognize that part of the delegation has already departed or is on the verge of leaving. Nonetheless, there should have been serious discussions about whether we ought to have taken part in this at all," Anwar remarked.

"Until the ruling party alters its confrontational stance towards the Opposition, it's crucial that we deliberate before extending our backing," he further emphasized.

Anwar also criticized the government's choice to launch an international campaign regarding Operation Sindoor without first consulting Parliament or convening an all-party meeting.

"It makes little sense for the government to send delegations abroad to validate the operation’s legitimacy when there has been no thorough briefing for the elected representatives of the nation. There ought to have been a special session of Parliament or at least an all-party meeting to disseminate information and foster a national consensus," he contended.

In response to inquiries regarding remarks made by Congress leaders such as Anand Sharma, Salman Khurshid, and Shashi Tharoor, who supported Operation Sindoor and the diplomatic missions afterward, Anwar remarked, "There's no question of doubting the valor of our armed forces. Every Congress member, including myself, has lauded the bravery and professionalism of our soldiers. However, when we seek transparency or information from the government, we are branded as anti-national or agents of Pakistan. That’s the paradox -- on one side, we are insulted, and on the other, asked to represent the country internationally."

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticized Congress, labeling it a "fragmented party lacking internal coherence".

"Shashi Tharoor, Salman Khurshid, and Anand Sharma have commendably acknowledged Operation Sindoor and its strategic significance. The Army acted with swiftness, neutralizing nine terrorist camps across the border. The limited scope of the mission averted a larger conflict, which is in the nation’s best interest," Nirupam stated to IANS.

He added that the armed forces had "avenged the massacre of Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam", highlighting that key terrorist figures, including the brother of Maulana Masood Azhar, were eliminated during the precision strikes.

"This operation was executed in under 25 minutes -- an extraordinary achievement. Anyone questioning this bravery is doing a disservice to the nation and boosting Pakistan's morale," he asserted.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also condemned Congress, accusing it of sending "mixed signals" regarding national security matters. "The Congress has developed a habit of causing confusion -- even within its own ranks. National security shouldn’t be a political tool. Their indecisions undermine the country’s unified stance against terrorism," Naqvi told IANS.