Congress, in a statement a few hours ago, expressed regret that the Centre snubbed three out of four MPs it had nominated to put forth India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. However, it emphasised that it will not engage in “partisan politics” and would uphold the “finest traditions of Parliamentary democracy”.
The statement followed sharp criticism from Congress, which accused the BJP of “playing games” with a “mischievous mindset” after selecting Shashi Tharoor to lead an all-party delegation to partner nations. The delegation was formed in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack. In a veiled dig at Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh remarked, “Congress mein hona aur Congress ka hona mein zameen-aasmaan ka antar hai.” [Merely being in the Congress is not the same as truly belonging to it.]
‘Modi govt plays cheap political games’
Congress accused the Modi government of “playing cheap political games on serious national issues” after the Centre rejected all but one party nominee it had submitted for the delegation. The list, which was provided at the request of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, was submitted on May 16.
“On May 16 morning, the Modi Govt asked for 4 names of Congress MPs/leaders to represent the INC in the delegations being sent abroad to explain India’s stance on terrorism from Pakistan. These 4 names were conveyed in writing by the LoP Lok Sabha to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by 12 noon on May 16 itself,” said Congress in a statement.
It added, “Very late tonight (May 17), the full list of members of all delegations has been officially released. Most regrettably, only 1 of the 4 names suggested by the INC leadership has been included. This proves the complete insincerity of the Modi Govt and shows the cheap political games it always plays on serious national issues.”
‘Will not play partisan politics’
Congress also stated that it would not play “partisan politics” after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, whose name the party had not given, was picked by the BJP for the delegation tasked with diplomatic outreach on terrorism.
The statement further stated, “The 4 eminent Congress MPs/leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi Govt will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions. The INC will not stoop to the pathetic level of the PM and the BJP. It will always uphold the finest traditions of Parliamentary democracy and not play partisan politics on national security issues, like the BJP does.”
The party also extended its best wishes to the delegations representing India’s position on cross-border terrorism. “These delegations should not, however, divert attention from the INC’s demands to have all-party meetings chaired by the PM and for a special session of Parliament to reiterate the resolution adopted on Feb 22 1994, while also taking note of developments thereafter,” the statement noted.