Congress in Kerala distances itself from Tharoor delegation row

Kochi/ Malappuram | The Congress in Kerala on Sunday distanced itself from the controversy surrounding Shashi Tharoor's decision to accept the Centre's invitation to lead a multi-party delegation abroad, stating that it is for the party high command to comment on the matter.

Responding to a reporter's query, Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan said Tharoor is a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), and leaders like him hold a lower position in the party hierarchy.

"A CWC member holds a significant position. The central leadership of the party should express its opinion on the matter. Whatever their view, we will share it," he said on the sidelines of a function in Paravur.

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, however, urged Tharoor to fulfil his "primary responsibility" as a Member of Parliament representing the Congress.

He said the former UN diplomat could explore international opportunities, but only with the permission of the party leadership.

Speaking to a TV channel, Radhakrishnan said Tharoor has two roles—one as an international figure with his views and connections, and the other as a Congress MP.

"Naturally, he should proceed with the knowledge and approval of the party's national leadership. He can still work in the international arena, but that should not undermine the party he currently represents," the former home minister said.

Admitting that Tharoor is not a leader of small stature, Radhakrishnan nonetheless said he should prioritise his duties as a member of the parliamentary party.

Tharoor can explore opportunities in the international arena with the Congress leadership's approval, he added.

Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a prominent ally in the Congress-led UDF, took the position that the grand old party has already accepted his inclusion in the delegation and that it is their internal matter.

IUML supremo Sadique Ali Shihab Thangal told reporters in Malappuram that there is no need to mix politics into the issue.

"It is India's stand, and the political parties in the country have to stand with it. That is what all the parties are doing," he said.

IUML veteran P K Kunhalikutty also responded similarly and said the delegation is being sent to explain the circumstances of India's strike against terrorism, given the Pahalgam attack, and there is no need to make it a controversy.

The senior leaders' remarks follow Tharoor's acceptance of the Centre's invitation to lead a multi-party delegation abroad to present India's stand against Pakistan on terrorism.

His decision stirred controversy as his name was not among those submitted by the Congress in response to the central government's request.

Defending his decision, Tharoor said he saw no politics in the matter.

He added that Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had officially invited him to lead the delegation due to his experience in foreign affairs, and that he "immediately agreed."

The Congress had nominated former Union Minister Anand Sharma, the party's Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain, and Lok Sabha MP Raja Brar, after the government sought the names of four MPs for the delegation.