Shashi Tharoor on Crossroads! Is Congress Ignoring the Charismatic Kerala Leader

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has responded with composed clarity after being asked about his exclusion from the Congress party’s list of nominees for the government-led delegations to visit foreign capitals and explain India’s strong stand on terrorism. The delegations, a part of India’s global outreach post Operation Sindoor, were formed to represent national unity and the country’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.

#WATCH | On his name not being included in the names nominated by the Congress party for delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stand on terrorism, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "The party is completely entitled to its opinion. Clearly, this being a government… pic.twitter.com/yWw2yA2qPL

— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2025

When asked about not being nominated by his own party, Tharoor replied,

"The party is completely entitled to its opinion. Clearly, this being a government delegation, the government had its own opinion as to who they felt was appropriate. I must say, I am unaware of any further contacts between the government and my party, and I think you should ask those concerned."

Shashi Tharoor on Crossroads! Is Congress Ignoring the Charismatic Kerala Leader

Tharoor emphasized that he was invited in his official capacity as Chairman of a Parliamentary Standing Committee that deals with related issues, and also due to his personal experience in international affairs.

“As far as I’m concerned, I was asked both in my capacity as a chairman... and for the need for that experience and such knowledge as I may possess to be put to the service of the nation at this time.”

Despite being a Congress MP, Tharoor accepted the government’s invitation to be a part of one of the seven all-party delegations, alongside members from BJP, DMK, NCP, JDU, and Shiv Sena. He is slated to lead one of the delegations.

The situation, however, raises important questions about the Congress party’s internal dynamics, especially regarding its relationship with Tharoor, a widely respected parliamentarian with a strong international presence. His statement appears carefully worded, reflecting restraint and patriotism, while also subtly hinting at a lack of internal communication within the party.

The development has fueled public and political speculation: Is the Congress sidelining one of its most articulate and internationally-acknowledged voices, even in matters where his expertise is globally recognized?

As the delegations prepare to embark on their diplomatic mission, all eyes remain on how this episode will influence Congress’ internal alignment and Tharoor’s political trajectory.