4 days ago
Last Updated:May 26, 2025, 19:02 IST
During his team's foreign visit, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee urged the global community to unite against what he described as the "vile handler" (Pakistan) of "rabid dogs" (terrorism)
Member of a multi-party delegation and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee during a meeting with South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul, in South Korea on May 26. (Image: @AITCofficial/PTI)
The TMC extended its full support to the central government’s initiative to send all-party teams abroad as part of a diplomatic outreach to explain the purpose behind Operation Sindoor and expose Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border terrorism.
According to party sources, TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee said each party should have the autonomy to decide on its own representative. When Union minister Kiren Rijiju approached her with the request, she nominated MP Abhishek Banerjee.
Though Yusuf Pathan was initially considered, the party ultimately decided to send Abhishek, who is a three-time MP and member of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs.
Party insiders said he was a natural choice due to his experience, oratory skills, and strong understanding of international relations.
“He has been articulate, assertive, and unwavering in exposing Pakistan’s terror links – qualities that make him best suited to represent the party and the country on such sensitive matters," a senior TMC leader said.
During the delegation’s visit to Japan, Abhishek did not mince words. In a sharp address, he urged the global community to unite against what he described as the “vile handler" (Pakistan) of “rabid dogs" (terrorism).
“India refuses to bow down. We will not yield to fear. We have learnt to respond in a language that they understand," he said.
He further highlighted how members of the Pakistan Army were seen attending the funerals of terrorists. His remarks reportedly earned him appreciation within the delegation and from other foreign policy observers.
In Seoul, South Korea – the second stop in the all-party diplomatic tour – Abhishek continued his strong condemnation of Pakistan during an interaction with international think tanks. Calling out Pakistan’s continued support to terror groups, he said, “Breeding a snake in your backyard and expecting it to bite only your neighbour is the last thing one should think of. Once unleashed, it will bite anyone. A snake remains a snake."
He reiterated that any support extended to Pakistan effectively amounts to supporting a terrorist organisation. “Pakistan has time and again harboured, shielded, and trained terrorists on its soil," he said, adding that such state-sponsored action is not just a threat to regional security but also a global danger.
Comparing the economic trajectories of India and Pakistan, he said: “India has progressed by leaps and bounds, while Pakistan remains mired in economic crisis. Attacks like the one in Pahalgam are aimed at derailing India’s growth."
Abhishek also recalled the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people, including citizens from 26 countries, were killed.
“The main accused confessed to being trained in Pakistan. How much more evidence does the world need?" he asked.
Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Abhishek said India waited patiently for 14 days for Pakistan to act. When there was no response, India carried out precision airstrikes on May 7, eliminating nine terror infrastructure sites without civilian casualties.
“This is India – firm in resolve, yet honourable in action," he added. “I come from the land of Rabindranath Tagore, whose poem ‘The Lamp of the East’ is taught in Korean schools. Our nation is rooted in peace, harmony, and humanity."
He, however, made it clear that India will not hesitate to defend itself. “Our stance is clear: You fire, we fire. You stop, we stop. Just like Newton’s Third Law – every action has an equal and opposite reaction."
Abhishek urged the global community to take a stronger stand against Pakistan’s history of fostering terrorism. “From 9/11 to 26/11, from Uri to Pahalgam, Pakistan’s role in global terror is well documented. Even Osama bin Laden was found in Abbottabad," he said.
Sources within the delegation and the TMC said his addresses and messaging have made him one of India’s most vocal and effective representatives on the global stage.
Location : First Published:News politics Op Sindoor Outreach: Abhishek Banerjee Takes Diplomatic Lead, Calls Out Pakistan's Terror Links
