Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday responded to criticism, including from within his own party, over his participation in an all-party delegation spearheading the Indian government’s global anti-terror outreach. Tharoor, who is currently in Brazil as part of the delegation’s visit to the Americas, said he could not afford to dwell on domestic controversy at this point and emphasised the importance of staying focused on the mission.
The delegation, which had earlier visited Panama, Guyana, and Colombia, reached Brazil on Sunday. Their objective is to reinforce India’s stance of zero tolerance against terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation in counter-terror efforts. Following the Brazil leg, the group is scheduled to visit the United States next week.
Tharoor acknowledged the criticisms back home, including those from Congress leaders, but maintained that this was not the time for distractions. “Undoubtedly, in a thriving democracy, there are bound to be comments and criticisms. But I think at this point, we can't afford to dwell on it. When we get back to India, we will have the opportunity to speak to our colleagues, critics, and the media. Right now, we are focused on the countries we are visiting and on conveying our message here,” Tharoor stated.
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The Congress party had earlier expressed its discontent with the Centre for appointing Tharoor to the delegation. Party leaders claimed that the names they had submitted for consideration were overlooked by the government.
Adding to the controversy, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh made a provocative statement earlier in the week, saying, “Our MPs are roaming and terrorists are also roaming.” His remarks drew widespread criticism, particularly from BJP leaders.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly condemned Ramesh’s comment, calling it “shameful, condemnable, and senseless.” He urged the Privileges Committee of Parliament to take immediate notice and initiate action against the Congress MP. “This is the most shameful, condemnable, and senseless statement. The Privileges Committee of Parliament should immediately take cognisance and take action,” Poonawalla said.
Ramesh, meanwhile, continued his criticism of the government, accusing it of deploying MPs abroad for an anti-terror campaign while failing to bring to justice those responsible for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
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