Shashi Tharoor Breaks Silence on Govt Delegation Role Amid Congress Row: ‘National Interest Above All’

New Delhi, May 17, 2025 — In the midst of political friction between the Congress and BJP, senior Congress MP and Thiruvananthapuram representative Shashi Tharoor has broken his silence after being appointed to lead a government delegation abroad—despite his own party objecting to the move.

Tharoor, known for his diplomatic finesse and international reputation, described the opportunity as both an honour and a duty, emphasizing that “national interest is always above everything else.”

The government recently announced Operation Sindoor, a strategic diplomatic outreach program, for which delegations are being sent to key partner nations, including the United States. While the Congress party had officially recommended the names of Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Centre bypassed the list and instead selected Shashi Tharoor to lead one of the delegations.

Speaking to reporters, Tharoor said,

“As a citizen, being called upon to serve the nation at a time of global crisis is a matter of duty. I am deeply honoured to have been asked to lead this delegation and I look forward to contributing meaningfully.”

Without directly confronting his party’s discontent, Tharoor subtly addressed the controversy:

“I have always said that when the nation needs my service, I should not be found wanting. I accepted the government’s invitation without hesitation because I believe this is not about politics—it’s about India.”

Congress Slams Government’s “Mischievous Mindset”

Reacting strongly to the Centre’s move, the Congress party accused the BJP-led government of “playing political games” and bypassing democratic norms. Congress communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh stated at a press briefing in Delhi:

“You cannot include names of Congress MPs in official delegations without consulting the party. This reflects a mischievous and unilateral approach by the government.”

Ramesh also revealed that senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid was approached by the Centre, but he declined, insisting that the party must make such decisions collectively.

Internal Dissonance in Congress?

The episode has reignited discussions about internal rifts within the Congress party. While the leadership has taken a firm stand, Tharoor’s acceptance has exposed ideological differences between party discipline and individual conscience.

Political analysts suggest that Tharoor’s global image and prior diplomatic experience made him an obvious choice for international representation. However, the government’s decision to skip party consultations has added a layer of tension to an already charged political climate.

A Test of Political Maturity?

As India navigates sensitive international partnerships under Operation Sindoor, this controversy places both the government and the opposition at a crossroads. While the BJP showcases bipartisan representation as a symbol of national unity, the Congress views it as an infringement on political protocol.

Meanwhile, Shashi Tharoor stands firm in his belief:

“When the interest of the nation calls, politics must take a backseat.”