TMC MP Yusuf Pathan Withdraws from Diplomatic Delegation: A Political Controversy Unfolds
Political Tensions Rise Over Diplomatic Delegation
New Delhi: On Monday, the BJP criticized West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly pressuring TMC MP Yusuf Pathan to withdraw from a multi-party diplomatic delegation, labeling the situation as 'unfortunate'.
According to sources within the TMC, Pathan, who was included in one of the delegations by the Centre, has decided to step back from the trip. The party clarified that it is not boycotting the diplomatic initiative but rather seeks the right to choose its representative.
Pathan was slated to join a delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha, which is scheduled to visit Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to communicate India's stance on Operation Sindoor.
BJP's West Bengal co-incharge, Amit Malviya, expressed his discontent on social media, stating, 'Mamata Banerjee's decision to compel the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is regrettable.'
Malviya emphasized that this delegation represents the Government of India and should transcend party politics, asserting that MPs are representatives of the populace.
'This sends a troubling message that Mamata Banerjee and her party are hesitant to confront terrorism backed by Pakistan,' he claimed.
He further criticized Banerjee, suggesting that while some senior party members may have influenced the decision, other TMC MPs are now expressing interest in joining the delegation, highlighting the importance of national representation.
Malviya condemned Banerjee's actions as indicative of 'the worst kind of politics', noting that West Bengal is suffering as a result.
While TMC sources did not clarify why Pathan opted out, both Mamata Banerjee and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee stated that the Centre should not dictate the party's representative for the delegations.
Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport, Banerjee reiterated that the TMC is not boycotting the Centre's diplomatic mission aimed at countering terrorism and would send representatives once a formal request is made.
'We will certainly send a representative if we are informed. There is no reason for controversy here. We fully support the government,' she asserted.
The Centre had announced the members of seven delegations on Sunday, which will include political leaders, parliamentarians, and former ministers from various parties, traveling to global capitals to assert India's commitment to combating terrorism in light of Operation Sindoor.
These delegations will be led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (DMK), and Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), covering a total of 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.