‘Insecurity’: BJP’s jibe at Cong over Tharoor

The BJP on Saturday took a dig at the Congress after it emerged that senior party leader Shashi Tharoor was not included in the grand old party’s official recommendations for a diplomatic outreach initiative.

The development follows controversy over the Centre’s decision to include Tharoor in its multi-party delegation tasked with explaining India’s stance on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

Shortly after the Centre announced the names, Congress media in-charge Jairam Ramesh revealed that Tharoor was absent from the party’s recommended list. It included Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.

In its praise for Tharoor’s stature and oratory skills, the BJP questioned his standing within his own party. “No one can deny Tharoor’s eloquence, his long experience as a UN official and his deep insights on foreign policy. So why has the Congress, Rahul in particular, chosen not to nominate him for the multi-party delegations sent abroad to explain India’s position on key issues?” asked BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya. “Is it insecurity? Jealousy? Or simply intolerance of anyone who outshines the ‘high command’?”

Ramesh clarified that Rahul Gandhi had submitted a list of names to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Tharoor was not on it. However, he suggested that Rijiju might have later consulted Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul. “There is no rift in the party,” he said.

Tharoor has been selected by the Centre to lead one of seven all-party delegations visiting global capitals. “When national interest is involved and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!” Tharoor posted on X.

His vocal support for the Centre’s actions, including cross-border strikes, has reportedly caused unease within the Congress.

Accepted invite in national interest: CPM

The CPM on Saturday said despite reservations, it had accepted the government’s invitation to be part of the all-party delegations for a global outreach in national interest. CPM leader John Brittas will join the delegations.