TMC’s Yusuf Pathan Opts Out of ‘Operation Sindoor’ Delegation, Cites Lack of Party Consultation
Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan will not participate in the foreign outreach programme under ‘Operation Sindoor’, despite being named in the all-party parliamentary delegation.
Sources revealed that the former cricketer-turned-politician was included without prior consultation with the Trinamool Congress.
Lack of Party Consultation Cited
According to Trinamool Congress sources, the central government reached out to Yusuf Pathan directly, bypassing the party. Following this, the MP informed that he would not be available to join the delegation.
Party insiders also stated that foreign policy lies within the domain of the central government, and therefore, it should take full responsibility for such initiatives.
TMC Asserts Right to Choose Representatives
Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee emphasized that while the party supports the central government on issues of national interest and terrorism, it is not the Centre’s role to decide on the party’s representation.
“We stand with the Central Government on all decisions related to national interest, combating terrorism, and safeguarding the country. However, the Central Government cannot decide who will represent the Trinamool Congress in the delegation. It is our party’s prerogative to choose our representatives. If you want one member, we can provide five—but the Central Government must demonstrate good intent,” Banerjee stated.
Delegations Set to Visit Global Capitals
The government has named 51 political figures, including MPs and former ministers, to seven different delegations that will travel to various countries to present India’s stance on terrorism in the context of Operation Sindoor.
Yusuf Pathan was selected to join the delegation led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. This group will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.
Other members include BJP leaders Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, and Hemang Joshi; CPI(M) MP John Brittas; Congress leader Salman Khurshid; and former journalist Mohan Kumar.
Health Reasons Cited by Another TMC MP
Trinamool MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay had also been invited to take part in the initiative but declined due to health issues, sources said.
BJP Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Political Interference
Following Yusuf Pathan’s withdrawal, the BJP accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of forcing the MP to opt out of the diplomatic effort.
“West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate,” said BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya in a post on X.
Malviya described the government-led delegation as an initiative that should rise above party lines.
He claimed that all MPs are representatives of the people and that the move sends a message suggesting Mamata Banerjee and her party are hesitant to speak against terrorism supported by Pakistan.
TMC Denies Boycott Claims
Despite the withdrawal, the Trinamool Congress clarified that it is not boycotting the diplomatic mission. The party stated that its objection lies solely with the Centre not allowing the TMC to select its own representatives.
BJP Criticizes Internal Politics in TMC
Malviya alleged that senior leaders within the Trinamool Congress opposed Yusuf Pathan’s participation because they were not included themselves.
He said some senior MPs from the party are now expressing interest in joining the delegations, viewing it as a matter of national pride.
“What is worse is that while a caucus of senior party apparatchiks prevailed, likely because they were not part of the delegation, other senior TMC MPs are now sending feelers to be included,” he said.
“After all, it is a matter of national pride to represent the country at such a moment.”
He further accused Mamata Banerjee of engaging in “the worst kind of politics” and claimed that West Bengal is suffering because of it.
“Unfortunately, West Bengal is bearing the brunt of it,” Malviya said. “Let us not forget that a hostile demographic shift is staring the state in the face.”
