Following India's Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory operation against terror camps in Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the central government has planned a diplomatic outreach program involving sending all-party delegations to key partner countries to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism. The selection of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to lead one of these delegations, specifically to the US, has stirred controversy, highlighting a divergence in perspective between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party.
The BJP has openly supported and praised the decision to include Tharoor in this diplomatic endeavor. BJP leaders have lauded Tharoor's eloquence, extensive experience as a United Nations official, and deep understanding of foreign policy. They view his inclusion as a strategic move to effectively communicate India's position on critical issues to the international community. Some BJP leaders have even questioned the Congress party's apparent reluctance to nominate Tharoor, suggesting it may stem from "insecurity" or "jealousy" towards a leader who potentially "outshines the high command". The BJP seems to be using this situation to portray a sense of national unity and highlight Tharoor's capabilities on the global stage.
Conversely, the Congress party has reacted with visible unease and disapproval. The party claims that the government did not consider the list of four names they proposed for the delegation. Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, expressed the party's surprise and displeasure, calling the government's decision "dishonest". The Congress's discomfort likely arises from a combination of factors. Firstly, Tharoor has, in recent weeks, been a vocal supporter of the Modi government's actions concerning the India-Pakistan situation, leading the Congress party to clarify that Tharoor's views were his own and not the party's official stance. This independent stance may have created friction within the party. Secondly, there might be concerns about ceding the spotlight to a leader who has, at times, appeared to operate outside the traditional party lines.
Despite the Congress party's reservations, Shashi Tharoor has accepted the responsibility, affirming that he would not be "found wanting when national interest calls". This stance aligns with his image as a seasoned diplomat and a parliamentarian who prioritizes national interests.
Several all-party delegations, each comprising six to seven MPs, are expected to visit around four to five countries. Besides Shashi Tharoor, other leaders of these delegations include Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP) and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena). These delegations aim to engage with key partner nations and members of the UN Security Council to reinforce India's commitment to combating terrorism.
The selection of Shashi Tharoor highlights the complex interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy. While the BJP seeks to project an image of national consensus and utilize Tharoor's expertise, the Congress party grapples with internal dynamics and concerns about potentially empowering a leader who may not always adhere strictly to the party line. Operation Sindoor, and the subsequent diplomatic outreach, has inadvertently become a flashpoint in the ongoing political discourse between the BJP and the Congress.
