Operation Sindoor: Congress, TMC Differ On Centre’s Foreign Delegations

Last Updated:May 19, 2025, 15:08 IST

While the Congress has accused the Centre of political double standards, the TMC made it clear that it does not want to politicise the issue of national security

Sources tell News18 that while TMC has questioned the procedure followed in selecting delegates, it firmly supports the government’s overall stance on the issue. (PTI)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Congress have taken different positions on the Centre’s decision to send multi-party delegations to foreign countries to present India’s viewpoint on Operation Sindoor.

While the Congress has raised strong objections to the Centre’s approach, accusing it of political double standards, the TMC has taken a more nuanced position, making it clear that it does not want to politicise the issue of national security.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the government’s intentions, saying, “The Congress believes an all-party meeting should have been held and chaired by the prime minister. A special session of Parliament to discuss India’s relations with China and Pakistan was also necessary. Sending delegations now seems like damage control. Our narrative has already weakened internationally." He further criticised the Centre for ignoring the Congress’s recommended representatives: “We gave four names, but only one was picked. The rest were chosen unilaterally by the BJP. What kind of politics is this?"

In contrast, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, speaking at Kolkata airport, clarified his party’s position: “We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Union government in any step taken to fight terrorism and protect the nation. We have no objection to the delegations being sent. Pakistan’s actions are unacceptable, and India must present its case globally. However, the Centre cannot decide who will represent our party. That is the prerogative of the party itself. TMC is not boycotting the delegation, but the process must be proper."

Banerjee emphasised that Trinamool is the only party not politicising the issue, implicitly distancing his party from the confrontational tone adopted by the Congress.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also clarified that no official request for delegate names was made to the “mother party"—only the parliamentary party was informed. “It is not for the BJP or the Centre to decide who represents Trinamool. If a request is made, the mother party will take the decision, as is customary. We fully support the Centre’s external affairs policy," she said.

According to sources, senior TMC MP Sudip Bandopadhyay was initially approached by the government but declined due to health concerns. Subsequently, former cricketer and MP Yusuf Pathan was contacted. Sources tell News18 that while TMC has questioned the procedure followed in selecting delegates, it firmly supports the government’s overall stance on the issue.

Political observers note that the statements by Jairam Ramesh and Abhishek Banerjee reveal a clear divergence between the Congress and the TMC. While Congress continues to criticise the Centre over the delegation issue, TMC appears committed to backing the government on matters of terrorism and national security, underlining that such issues should rise above partisan politics.

News politics Operation Sindoor: Congress, TMC Differ On Centre’s Foreign Delegations