Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Modi Government Over Delegation Selection
Congress Voices Concerns Over Delegation Representation
New Delhi: Jairam Ramesh, the General Secretary of Congress, has accused the Central government, led by Narendra Modi, of being insincere and engaging in political maneuvering regarding significant national matters. In a media statement released on Saturday, he expressed disappointment that only one of the four Congress leaders proposed for international delegations was selected.
These delegations aim to articulate India's position on terrorism originating from Pakistan.
Ramesh noted that on the morning of May 16, the government requested the names of four Congress leaders or MPs to represent the party in these delegations.
He stated that the names were submitted in writing by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju by noon on the same day.
In a post on X, Ramesh wrote: "On May 16 morning, the Modi government requested four names of Congress MPs/leaders for delegations to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan. These names were submitted in writing by the LoP to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by 12 noon on May 16."
"However, late on May 17, the complete list of delegation members was released, and regrettably, only one of the four names suggested by the INC leadership was included. This highlights the Modi government's complete insincerity and its tendency to play cheap political games on serious national issues," Ramesh stated on X.
He further added, "The four distinguished Congress MPs/leaders included at the Modi government's behest will participate in the delegations and contribute. The INC will not lower itself to the PM's and BJP's level."
Ramesh emphasized that the party would uphold the highest standards of parliamentary democracy and refrain from engaging in partisan politics concerning national security, unlike the BJP. He wished the delegations success.
However, he insisted that these delegations should not distract from the INC's demands for all-party meetings led by the PM and a special parliamentary session to reaffirm the resolution passed on February 22, 1994, while also considering subsequent developments.
Earlier on Saturday, a controversy arose when the government announced Congress leader Shashi Tharoor as one of seven MPs representing India at global forums to discuss Operation Sindoor.
Tharoor's name was not among the four submitted by Congress.
"We were asked for names and expected those we provided to be included. However, upon reviewing the PIB press release, we were taken aback. I cannot predict what will happen next," Ramesh remarked.
"Requesting four names, submitting four names, and then announcing a different name is dishonest on the government's part. It is possible that Rijiju spoke with Rahul ji and Kharge after the government had made its decision, but I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Nonetheless, what transpired is dishonest. We will not change our four names," Ramesh asserted.
He also shared details of a letter from Rahul Gandhi to Kiren Rijiju, stating, "Yesterday (Tuesday) at 12:30 p.m., Rahul ji wrote to Kiren Rijiju, following up on a conversation with Kharge ji regarding the delegation for foreign countries. After discussing with Kharge ji, I am sending you four names: Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Raja Barar, and Naseer Hussain."
Ramesh underscored the significance of party loyalty, stating, "Everyone in Congress belongs to Congress; there is a substantial difference between being in Congress and being of Congress."
The Congress party had fully supported the government's diplomatic initiatives but expressed surprise when the names were announced without their agreement.
"Since April 22, we have been calling for an all-party meeting. Two meetings were held, but they were merely formalities, and the PM did not attend. The Leaders of Opposition in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha requested a special session to facilitate a detailed discussion, aiming to present our collective resolve to the nation and the world. The PM did not respond to this request, and suddenly we learned that an all-party delegation would be sent. This indicates a shift in the government's narrative. We welcomed this step and offered our assistance in this diplomatic endeavor, but the Minister's conduct—requesting names and then announcing them himself—was not honest; a game is being played," Ramesh alleged.
He recalled how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi managed diplomatic delegations during the 1971 war, emphasizing the need for collective political support.
"In 1971, Indira Gandhi sent delegations and personally engaged with leaders like Jai Prakash Narayan, stating, 'You should go.' She herself traveled to Russia and several European countries, asserting, 'I will do whatever is in India's interest,'" Ramesh added.
The Congress leader reiterated the call for an all-party meeting and a parliamentary session to discuss the government's position on Pakistan.
"We continue to demand an all-party meeting, a parliamentary session, and a reiteration of the resolution passed on February 22, 1994. A discussion should take place regarding the government's stance on Pakistan and its relationship with America. Why is the PM avoiding the all-party meeting? Why is he evading Parliament?" Jairam Ramesh questioned.
Previously, Ramesh had stated that Congress submitted four names for the delegation.
The unexpected inclusion of Shashi Tharoor by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju raised eyebrows, especially since Tharoor had also accepted the government's proposal.