TMC sends Abhishek Banerjee to the all-party delegation on Operation Sindur; Yusuf Pathan declines participation. Mamata Banerjee supports the party's decision.
Abhishek Banerjee: The recent terrorist attack in Pehalgam and the subsequent 'Operation Sindur' have brought India's counter-terrorism policy back into the global spotlight. In light of these events, the central government has decided to send an all-party Parliamentary Delegation abroad to bly advocate India's position and isolate Pakistan on international platforms.
Besides the BJP, the delegation includes members of parliament from the Congress, TMC (Trinamool Congress), and other opposition parties. However, the political maneuvering that has ensued highlights that even amidst a national objective, political parties are unwilling to compromise their political stances.
Abhishek Banerjee from TMC to be part of the delegation
The TMC announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle that party chief Mamata Banerjee has nominated MP and National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to be part of this International Delegation. The party stated, "We are pleased to announce that our leader Mamata Banerjee has included National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee in the delegation to strengthen India's global anti-terrorism image."
This clearly conveys that the TMC prioritizes India's interests but will not compromise its authority and political decision-making process under any circumstances.
TMC upset over Yusuf Pathan's inclusion
The central government had also included TMC MP Yusuf Pathan in the delegation. However, sources suggest that Yusuf Pathan will not be participating. Reports indicate that the government contacted Pathan directly without consulting the TMC leadership, which angered the party.
TMC sources stated that the party objects to the government's approach, arguing that when selecting an MP for an overseas trip, the party's opinion should be sought first. Respecting party lines, Yusuf Pathan also made himself unavailable.
Shashi Tharoor's case and Congress's stance
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is also part of this delegation. While Tharoor expressed pride in his inclusion, his decision has met with dissent within the Congress. Although no official b stance has been taken by the party, some party leaders have expressed displeasure with Tharoor's decision, but no disciplinary action has been discussed.
A significant difference is evident: Shashi Tharoor deviated from party lines, whereas Yusuf Pathan prioritized the TMC's decision.
TMC's clear stance on foreign policy
The TMC believes that foreign policy is solely the domain of the central government, which should also bear the responsibility. The TMC explicitly stated that only the party, not the central government, can decide which MP will participate in an international delegation.
Abhishek Banerjee stated in a media interaction, "We have no objection to the delegation being sent. But the decision of who will go from TMC is the sole prerogative of the party, not the government. The BJP, Congress, TMC, AAP, or any party will choose their own representatives."
