Why Was Shashi Tharoor Excluded from India's Anti-Terror Delegation?
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Synopsis
In a significant political development, Congress has submitted its nominations for India's anti-terror delegations, but the absence of Shashi Tharoor raises questions. Explore the dynamics of party politics and India's response to cross-border terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Congress submitted nominations for anti-terror delegations.
- Shashi Tharoor's name was notably absent.
- Delegations aim to address Pakistan's role in terrorism.
- India will engage with key international partners.
- Political dynamics play a crucial role in such nominations.
New Delhi, May 17 (NationPress) Shortly after the Central Government unveiled the names of seven Members of Parliament (MPs) designated to lead Indian delegations internationally to highlight Pakistan's involvement in the recent Pahalgam terror incident, the Congress party disclosed its own proposed list of MPs sent to the government for this mission. Notably, the name of senior leader and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor was absent from this list.
While Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju identified Tharoor as one of the delegation leaders along with MPs from various parties, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh's message indicated that Tharoor was not included in the quartet of MPs forwarded to the government by the Congress.
"Yesterday morning, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, engaged with the Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The INC was requested to propose names of four MPs for the delegations to be dispatched abroad to articulate India's position on terrorism originating from Pakistan," Jairam Ramesh posted on X.
He further clarified that by noon on May 16, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had communicated with Rijiju, submitting four names on behalf of the party: Former Union Minister Anand Sharma, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain, and Lok Sabha MP Raja Brar.
India has resolved to send seven All-Party Delegations to key allied nations, including members of the UN Security Council, with the aim of presenting a unified front against cross-border terrorism and revealing Pakistan's purported involvement in the Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 fatalities.
The delegations will encompass MPs from diverse political factions, notable personalities, and senior diplomats.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has identified Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) as those anticipated to lead these delegations.
According to the Ministry, these delegations are expected to travel to critical partner countries such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Egypt, and Japan later this month.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of party dynamics in India's strategic response to terrorism. While the absence of a prominent leader like Shashi Tharoor raises eyebrows, the focus should remain on the collective efforts of the Indian government to present a united front against cross-border terrorism.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shashi Tharoor not included in the Congress list?
The Congress party chose to nominate four other MPs for the delegation, leaving out Shashi Tharoor, even though he was recognized by the government for a different delegation.
What is the purpose of the Indian delegations?
The delegations aim to address the issue of cross-border terrorism and present India's position to key international partners.
Which countries will the delegations visit?
The delegations are expected to visit the United States, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Egypt, and Japan.
Who are the nominated MPs from Congress?
The nominated MPs from Congress include Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar.
What was the reaction from Jairam Ramesh regarding the selections?
Jairam Ramesh highlighted the communication with the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and confirmed the list submitted by Congress.
