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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s decision to accept the Centre’s invitation to lead a multi-party delegation abroad has sparked internal friction within the party, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh accusing the government of acting with a “mischievous mindset” and bypassing established democratic norms.

Tharoor on Saturday defended his decision, stating he saw no politics in accepting the invitation extended by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. “According to me, politics becomes important when we have a nation. We all are Indians. When the nation is in crisis and the central government seeks the help of a citizen, what other answer would you give?” Tharoor told reporters, as per news agency PTI.

The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram said he immediately agreed to the proposal due to his prior experience in foreign affairs. “Everyone saw the 88-hour-long battle with Pakistan, and therefore, we all need to have a role in what the world is saying about us,” he added.

Dismissing speculation of party dissatisfaction, Tharoor maintained he had informed the Congress after receiving the invitation. On whether the Congress was trying to insult him by releasing its list of preferred names for the delegation, he said, “I cannot be insulted so easily. I know my worth.” He emphasised that national service is a duty for every citizen and called for unity in times of crisis.

Difference Between 'Congress Mein Hona, Congress Ka Hona': Jairam Ramesh’s Dig At Shashi Tharoor

However, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh voiced strong displeasure over the development, alleging that trust between the government and the principal Opposition party had been “shattered”. He claimed the government had sought four names from the Congress for the delegations but finalised its own list without consultation.

“There is a difference between being in the Congress and of the Congress,” Ramesh remarked, referring to Tharoor’s inclusion, as per PTI. He said that in a democratic system, MPs must seek the concurrence of the party before accepting such roles.

The Congress had nominated Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain and Amarinder Singh Raja Brar. But the government named Tharoor, Kanimozhi, Sanjay Jha, Supriya Sule, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda and Shrikant Shinde to lead the delegations to key partner countries. The move was meant to present India’s stance on terrorism following Operation Sindoor and promote the nation’s message of zero tolerance.

Ramesh criticised the Centre’s approach, calling the entire diplomatic outreach “dishonest” and “cosmetic”. He alleged that the exercise was launched after the government’s narrative on Operation Sindoor was “punctured” by US President Donald Trump’s claims of mediating between India and Pakistan.

He further accused the BJP of “Narad Muni politics”, saying, “On one side, the BJP calls Congress leaders traitors and anti-nationals, and on the other, it wants us in all-party delegations abroad. This is not politics of honesty, but of opportunism.”

Ramesh said the government’s request for names was not genuine. “Asking for four names, being given four names and not considering them is dishonesty on the part of the government. We will not change these four names,” he declared, as per PTI.

He noted that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had called Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday morning seeking the nominations. Gandhi reportedly sent the names by 12:30 PM on May 16.

“We were asked to give names with the confidence that the government is asking us honestly and not mischievously,” Ramesh said, adding that the government’s actions betrayed that trust.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, Tharoor said, “I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!”

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs said in a statement that the delegations would reflect “India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju added in a post on X, “In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united… A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences.”