Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has addressed the criticism — including from within his own party — regarding his participation in a government-led, all-party anti-terrorism outreach mission abroad, saying now is not the time to focus on political disagreements, HT reported.
Tharoor, who is currently leading the delegation on its Brazil leg after stops in Panama, Guyana, and Colombia, said the focus should remain on the mission to convey India’s stance of zero tolerance toward terrorism on the global stage.
“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,” Tharoor told news agency ANI. “When we get back to India, we will have a chance to speak to our colleagues, critics, and the media. But right now, we’re focused on getting the message out to the countries we are visiting.”
The delegation, which represents multiple political parties, is set to travel to the United States next week as part of India’s broader international effort to strengthen counter-terror cooperation and project national unity on the issue.
Back home, however, Tharoor’s involvement has sparked dissent within the Congress party. The party earlier expressed discontent over the Centre allegedly ignoring its nominated members for the delegation.
Adding fuel to the controversy, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently remarked, “Our MPs are roaming and terrorists are also roaming,” drawing sharp criticism from the BJP. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla labeled the comments “shameful, condemnable, and senseless.”
Despite the political tensions, Tharoor has emphasized the importance of unity on national security issues, saying the delegation’s work transcends party lines during this international outreach.
