The Congress party has openly criticized the central government for its handling of the selection process for parliamentary delegations tasked with explaining India’s stance on cross-border terrorism, particularly regarding Pakistan. The controversy erupted after Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s name appeared on the official list of seven MPs representing India, despite not being among the four names Congress had submitted. The party has called the government’s move “dishonest” and reiterated its decision to stand by its originally nominated members.
Congress Claims Surprise Over Tharoor’s Inclusion
On Saturday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh addressed the media, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the way the government handled the delegation announcement. He revealed that the party had formally submitted four names—Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Raja Barar, and Naseer Hussain—following discussions between Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. However, the government’s press release, issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), named Shashi Tharoor instead, causing considerable confusion and surprise within the party ranks.
“We were asked for four names, and we gave four names. Seeing a completely different name on the official list without any prior communication is a clear act of dishonesty,” Ramesh told reporters. He added that although Union Minister Kiren Rijiju may have spoken to Kharge or Rahul Gandhi after the decision was made, it did not justify excluding the proposed candidates without informing the party.
Congress Refuses to Revise Submitted Names
Further defending the party’s stance, Ramesh reiterated that Congress would not make changes to its list of nominees. He referred to a letter written by Rahul Gandhi to Rijiju on Tuesday, which confirmed the names after internal consultations. The letter read: “Dear Shri Kiren Rijiju, I am writing to follow up on a conversation between myself and Kharge ji regarding the delegation to foreign countries. After consulting with Kharge ji, I am sending you four names: Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Raja Barar, and Naseer Hussain.”
Ramesh emphasized that while Tharoor remains a member of the Congress, there is a difference between being in the party and truly representing its views and directives. He also hinted at a lack of transparency and coordination from the government’s end, calling the process both dismissive and disrespectful. Despite their continued cooperation on national matters, the party said it was compelled to raise the issue to ensure fair representation and procedural integrity.
