Shashi Tharoor Named to All-Party Delegation Targeting Pakistan-Backed Terror, Day After ‘Lakshman Rekha’ Row

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been named as a member of the all-party delegation set to travel abroad next week to highlight Pakistan-sponsored terrorism globally.

The move comes a day after Tharoor responded to his party’s caution against crossing the “Lakshman Rekha” in relation to his remarks on Operation Sindoor and the India-Pakistan conflict.

The central government has launched a diplomatic campaign following Operation Sindoor, which was carried out in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

This initiative involves multiple political parties, including opposition members, to ensure a united Indian voice against cross-border terrorism.

Broad Political Participation in Global Campaign

According to PTI, the government has approached MPs from various parties to take part in this mission. Several parties have already agreed to send representatives.

Though the final list of delegates is yet to be confirmed, over 30 MPs are expected to be involved.

The delegations will visit several countries over a 10-day period, with MPs assigned to regional groups. Before departure, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will provide a detailed briefing to all members of the delegation.

MPs from the BJP, Congress, TMC, DMK, NCP (SP), JDU, BJD, CPI(M), and others will be included, as reported by sources.

A leader from a participating party mentioned they were asked to be prepared for departure around May 22-23, and would soon receive further itinerary details from the MEA.

Key Political Figures in the Delegation

Sources indicated that BJP members such as former Union minister Anurag Thakur and Odisha MP Aparajita Sarangi will be part of the delegation.

On the Congress side, four MPs—Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Salman Khurshid, and Amar Singh—have been approached and the party has agreed to participate.

Other MPs under consideration include Sudip Banyopadhyay (TMC), Sanjay Jha (JDU), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), K Kanimozhi (DMK), John Brittas (CPI-M), and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM).

Though the government has not officially commented, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh confirmed that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju discussed the matter with the party president.

Tharoor Clarifies Stance Amid Internal Criticism

Facing criticism within the Congress for his statements that diverged from the party line, Tharoor responded on Thursday. “At a time of conflict, I spoke solely as an Indian, making no pretence of representing anyone else,” he stated, distancing his comments from official Congress positions.

Tharoor emphasised that his remarks were made in a personal capacity.

“Whatever I have said, you may agree or disagree with that, blame it on me individually, and that’s fine,” he said, following the Congress’ reaction to his public comments and warnings against crossing the “Lakshman Rekha” in relation to party policy.

He further clarified that his intention was to contribute to the national discourse during a sensitive period.

“It was really a contribution to the national discourse, at a time when it was very important for us to rally around the flag, especially internationally,” he said.

Lack of Official Communication and Media Reports

Tharoor said he had not received any formal communication from the Congress party regarding his comments. “I have received no communication from the party; all I am seeing is media reports,” he said, reiterating that his views were independent.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC), in a meeting held on Wednesday, reinforced that the focus should remain on echoing the party’s collective voice.

During this meeting, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sachin Pilot, and Shashi Tharoor himself, a clear message was reportedly conveyed about staying within party boundaries during national crises.

Tharoor Backs Government’s Anti-Terror Stand

Despite internal party debates, Tharoor expressed full support for the government’s efforts against terrorism.

Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, he stated that the perpetrators have been identified and that the government has resolved to pursue them. “I am 100 per cent supporting the government in making such a decision,” he said.

He stressed that terrorism should be treated as a separate issue and not be conflated with other matters. “You go after the terrorists, we are with the government,” he added.

Tharoor noted that India’s perspective is often underrepresented internationally, particularly in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, and this motivated his public engagement.

A Balancing Act Between Personal Views and Party Lines

Although Tharoor has voiced strong support for the government’s anti-terrorism stance, the Congress party has sought to ensure that its members present a unified position.

A senior leader remarked, “We are a democratic party and people keep expressing their opinions, but this time, Tharoor has crossed the Lakshman Rekha.”

Despite the controversy, insiders noted that Tharoor aligned with the party during the meeting and offered constructive suggestions. As he joins the all-party delegation, his actions now reflect a broader consensus, aligning personal conviction with national interest.