Congress senior leader Shashi Tharoor has addressed the controversy over his inclusion in the all-party delegation India is sending abroad to explain Pakistan’s promotion of cross border terrorism. Tharoor insisted that he views the assignment not as a political act but as an opportunity for national service.
“Politics can only exist when there is a nation, and the dispute lies between the Congress and the government,” he said. Tharoor added that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had called him, and when the government requests a citizen’s assistance, “one should fulfil it.” He emphasised: “Patriotism is the duty of every citizen. The government now asks for my service, and I am happy to accept.”
Tharoor continued, “I do not know what the problems are with the Congress leadership. The Union Minister has clearly said that the country needs my talents and services. I believe this is the time to stand together for our nation.” He also asserted, “No one can insult me, everyone has their own value.” He further asked what other response he could give when the country is in crisis, and said that he was not responsible for proposing his own name and confirmed he had informed party leaders of his invitation.
The central government has appointed seven all-party delegations to convey India’s ‘zero tolerance’ stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism to the international community. Tharoor is among those selected. However, the Congress party appears to be distancing itself: his name did not appear on the list of delegates the party submitted to the government. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh has indirectly targeted Tharoor, noting that he was omitted from the party’s official list.
