Is the Government Politicizing National Issues? Jairam Ramesh Speaks Out

New Delhi, May 18 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has criticized the Central Government led by Narendra Modi for showing a lack of sincerity and engaging in political maneuvering regarding crucial national matters. In a statement to the media on Saturday, he expressed disappointment that only one out of four Congress leaders was selected for proposed government delegations abroad.

These delegations aim to clarify India’s position on terrorism from Pakistan.

Ramesh noted that on the morning of May 16, the government requested names of four Congress leaders or MPs to represent the party in these delegations.

He clarified that the names were submitted in writing by the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, by noon on the same day.

On social media platform X, Ramesh posted: "On the morning of May 16, the Modi government asked for 4 names of Congress MPs/leaders to represent the party in the delegations sent abroad to explain India’s position on terrorism from Pakistan. These 4 names were communicated in writing to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by noon on May 16th."

"However, late on the night of May 17, the complete list of delegation members was released, revealing that only 1 of the 4 names suggested by the INC leadership was included. This demonstrates the Modi government’s complete insincerity and their tendency to engage in political games regarding serious national issues," Ramesh stated on X.

He further commented, "The 4 distinguished Congress MPs/leaders included by the Modi government will, of course, participate in the delegations and contribute. The INC will not stoop to the pathetic levels of the PM and the BJP. We will uphold the finest traditions of parliamentary democracy and will not engage in partisan politics on issues of national security like the BJP does. We wish the delegations every success. However, these delegations should not divert attention from the INC’s calls for all-party meetings chaired by the PM and for a special session of Parliament to reaffirm the resolution passed on February 22, 1994, while considering subsequent developments."

The situation escalated earlier on Saturday when the government announced that Congress leader Shashi Tharoor would be among seven MPs representing India at global forums to brief international leaders on Operation Sindoor.

However, Tharoor’s name was not included in the four names submitted by Congress.

"We were asked for names. We anticipated that the names we provided would be included. But upon seeing the PIB press release, we were taken aback. I can’t predict what will happen now. Requesting four names, submitting four names, and then announcing a different name is dishonest on the government’s part. It is possible that Rijiju spoke to Rahul ji and Kharge even after the government had made its decision, but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, what transpired is dishonest. We will not alter these four names," Ramesh asserted.

Ramesh also revealed details of a letter sent by Rahul Gandhi to Kiren Rijiju.

"Yesterday (Tuesday) at 12:30 p.m., Rahul ji wrote a letter to Kiren Rijiju stating, 'Dear Shri Kiren Rijiju, I am following up on a conversation with me and Kharge ji regarding the delegation for foreign countries. After discussions with Kharge ji, I am sending you four names: Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Raja Barar, and Naseer Hussain,'" he stated.

He underscored the significance of party loyalty, asserting, "Everyone in Congress is a part of Congress; there is a substantial difference between being in Congress and being of Congress."

The Congress party had fully backed the government’s diplomatic initiatives but was surprised when the names were revealed without their approval.

"Since April 22, we have been demanding that an all-party meeting be convened; two meetings were held, but they were merely formalities, and the PM did not attend. The Leader of the Opposition in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha wrote a letter requesting a special session to facilitate a comprehensive discussion, aiming to present our collective resolve to the nation and the world. The PM did not respond; suddenly, we learned of an all-party delegation going, indicating a shift in the government’s narrative. We welcomed this move and stated that we would support any diplomatic efforts, but the Minister’s conduct—requesting names and then announcing different names—reflects dishonesty and a game being played," Ramesh alleged.

He recalled how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi managed diplomatic delegations during the 1971 war, underscoring the importance of collective political backing.

"In 1971, Indira Gandhi sent a delegation stating that 'in May, the delegation was dispatched.' She called Jai Prakash Narayan and said, 'You should go.' Indira ji herself visited several countries, including Russia, Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, and America, during that period, emphasizing that she would act in India’s best interests," Ramesh added.

The Congress leader reiterated calls for an all-party meeting and a parliamentary session to deliberate on the government’s stance regarding Pakistan.

"Even now, we demand that an all-party meeting and a parliamentary session be convened to reiterate the resolution passed on February 22, 1994. A discussion should occur regarding the government’s position on Pakistan and its relationship with America. Why is the PM avoiding the all-party meeting? Why is he shunning Parliament?" Jairam Ramesh queried.

Previously, Jairam Ramesh mentioned that Congress had submitted four names for the delegation.

The unexpected inclusion of Shashi Tharoor by Kiren Rijiju has raised eyebrows, particularly since Tharoor had also accepted the government’s proposal.