In a surprising political development, the Modi government announced Congress MP Shashi Tharoor as the lead delegate for “Operation Sindoor,” sparking controversy within Congress ranks. The Centre unveiled an all-party delegation to present India’s stance on terrorism and Operation Sindoor on global platforms, with Tharoor’s name topping the list. However, Congress claims it never nominated him.
India Assembles All-Party Delegation to Counter Pakistan’s Terror Narrative
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On May 17, the central government announced the formation of a seven-member all-party delegation to represent India’s position on terrorism and Pakistan’s role on international platforms, particularly in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) member states. The aim is to justify India’s actions under Operation Sindoor and expose Pakistan’s complicity in cross-border terrorism.
The delegations are set to travel around May 23 or 24 for a 10-day diplomatic tour, engaging with global stakeholders to explain India’s counter-terrorism strategy and rationale behind Operation Sindoor.
Past Precedents: When Opposition Leaders Represented India Abroad
This isn’t the first time India has turned to opposition leaders for international advocacy. After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the UPA government under Manmohan Singh dispatched multi-party delegations abroad to highlight the threat of Pakistani terrorism.
Who Are the Members of the Operation Sindoor Delegation?
According to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, seven delegations will be led by Members of Parliament, with each team comprising up to five members. Prominent names likely to feature include:
- Shashi Tharoor (Congress)
- Anurag Thakur (BJP)
- Aparajita Sarangi (BJP, Odisha)
- Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC)
- Sasmit Patra (BJD)
- John Brittas (CPI-M)
- Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM)
Congress Disowns Tharoor’s Nomination, Sparks Intra-Party Rift
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the party did not nominate Tharoor. “On May 16, Kiren Rijiju reached out to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi requesting names. We recommended Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Dr. Syed Nasir Hussain, and Raja Barar,” he wrote on X.
Ramesh further alleged that the government acted with “mischievous intent” by ignoring the names suggested and instead opting for its own picks. The official list released by the Press Information Bureau did not include any of the names proposed by Congress.
“Why does Rahul Gandhi oppose anyone who speaks for India—even within his own party? Shashi Tharoor’s inclusion should be celebrated, not condemned,” Bjp spokesperson Bhandari said.
Why Did Modi Government Choose Shashi Tharoor?
Shashi Tharoor’s selection is seen as both strategic and symbolic. With nearly three decades of experience at the United Nations (1978–2007), Tharoor brings international credibility, fluent English, and deep diplomatic expertise. He is widely respected in Western political circles, having spent significant time in the U.S. and U.K.
According to political analyst , “Tharoor’s recent praise of Operation Sindoor stood out. He described it as a ‘measured and precise’ response, diverging from Congress’s usual critical tone. The government may have viewed him as a balanced voice who could better present India’s case globally.”
In contrast, the four Congress MPs proposed by the party have been vocal critics of the Modi government, particularly on foreign policy issues involving Pakistan and Turkey.
Is Tharoor Drifting Away From Congress? BJP’s Kerala Strategy at Play
Tharoor has made multiple statements in recent months suggesting a rift with Congress. In a Malayalam podcast on February 26, he said, “If my services are not needed, I have other options. If the party uses me, I’m here. If not, I have my own path.”
He later praised Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S., including his meeting with former President Donald Trump, and supported the controversial F-35 fighter jet deal—both positions that ran counter to the Congress line.
During the 2022 Congress presidential race, Tharoor ran against Mallikarjun Kharge, the Gandhi family’s preferred candidate. While he lost, his campaign signaled an independent streak that has only grown stronger.
Could Tharoor Join BJP? Experts Say It’s Unlikely
Although speculation abounds, Tharoor has categorically denied any plans to join the BJP. “No, I’m not joining BJP. Every party has its beliefs. If you can’t align with them, joining would be dishonest,” he said in a podcast.
He has also been a consistent critic of the RSS brand of Hindutva, arguing in his books and speeches that it distorts traditional Hinduism.
That said, political observers note that BJP sees Tharoor as a potential game-changer in Kerala—a state where the party has struggled to make electoral gains. In 2024, BJP fielded Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar against Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram and gave him a tough fight, but only secured one seat in the state.
“Tharoor sees himself as a future Chief Minister of Kerala. Staying in Congress may not help him achieve that. But BJP’s path is risky too. Kerala is still a hard nut to crack for the saffron party,” said one observer.
