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The article details Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's strong criticism of the government's decision to send parliamentary delegations abroad to brief other countries about Operation Sindoor and India's stance on terrorism, particularly in relation to Pakistan. Raut's primary objection stems from his belief that this move is unnecessary and even demeaning to India's position. He sarcastically refers to the delegation as a "baraat," a term traditionally used for a groom's wedding procession, implying that the government is acting in a subservient or overly eager manner. He questions the need for such extensive outreach, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is somehow perceived as weak, necessitating this elaborate display of diplomatic effort. The specific composition of the delegations also draws Raut's ire, especially the inclusion of individuals like the son of the Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, questioning their qualifications and representational value on such a critical international stage. Raut's remarks strongly suggest a political motivation behind the government's initiative, accusing the BJP of exploiting the issue for political gain, a habit he claims they exhibit in all matters. His call for the India bloc to boycott the delegation further underscores the deep political divisions surrounding the issue.
The government's decision to dispatch seven delegations, consisting of 51 political leaders, parliamentarians, and former ministers from across the political spectrum, highlights the perceived importance of garnering international support for India's position on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The inclusion of notable figures from various parties, such as Shashi Tharoor of the Congress, Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM, Supriya Sule of the NCP (SP), and Kanimozhi of the DMK, suggests an attempt to present a united front on this critical national security issue. However, the article also reveals underlying tensions and political maneuvering. The fact that 31 of the 51 delegates belong to the ruling NDA alliance, while only 20 are from non-NDA parties, could be interpreted as an attempt to dominate the narrative and project the government's strength. Furthermore, the composition of each delegation, including the mandatory presence of at least one Muslim representative, appears to be a deliberate strategy to counter accusations of Islamophobia and demonstrate inclusivity in India's approach to combating terrorism. The article specifically mentions the delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, which includes Priyanka Chaturvedi from Sanjay Raut's own party, along with representatives from various parties and backgrounds, illustrating the diverse and somewhat complex nature of the initiative.
The inclusion of figures like Shashi Tharoor from the Congress party, despite the party's reservations, further complicates the political landscape. The fact that only one of the four Congress leaders recommended by the party was included in the delegations, while Tharoor was selected independently by the government, has sparked a political row. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh's statement accusing the Modi government of "complete insincerity" and engaging in "cheap political games" underscores the deep distrust and animosity between the ruling party and the opposition. This dispute highlights the potential for partisan politics to undermine even initiatives ostensibly aimed at promoting national unity and security. The debate over the composition and purpose of these delegations raises fundamental questions about the balance between national interests and political considerations in India's foreign policy. It also exposes the challenges of forging a bipartisan consensus on issues related to national security, particularly in a highly polarized political environment. The article ultimately paints a picture of a complex and multifaceted situation, where genuine concerns about national security are intertwined with political maneuvering and partisan rivalries.
Moreover, the selection of former Union Ministers such as Ghulam Nabi Azad, MJ Akbar, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, Khurshid, and SS Ahluwalia, who are not currently Members of Parliament, suggests a strategic decision to leverage their experience and expertise in international affairs, even though they may no longer hold elected office. This could be interpreted as an attempt to present a more seasoned and knowledgeable team to foreign counterparts. However, it also raises questions about the criteria used for selecting these individuals and whether their inclusion is solely based on merit or influenced by political considerations. The destinations of the delegations, including key European countries like the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark, further emphasize the government's focus on garnering support from Western powers for its stance on terrorism. These countries are influential members of the international community and play a significant role in shaping global opinion. By engaging with them directly, the government aims to counter Pakistan's narrative and present its own perspective on the issue of cross-border terrorism.
In summary, the article provides a detailed account of the controversy surrounding the government's decision to send parliamentary delegations abroad to brief other countries on Operation Sindoor and India's position on terrorism. Sanjay Raut's criticism, the composition of the delegations, and the political tensions surrounding the initiative all highlight the complex interplay of national security, foreign policy, and partisan politics in India. The article raises important questions about the effectiveness of such diplomatic efforts and whether they are truly serving the national interest or being used for political gain. The conflicting perspectives and accusations underscore the challenges of forging a united front on issues related to national security in a deeply divided political landscape. The long-term impact of these delegations and their ability to influence international opinion remains to be seen, but the controversy surrounding their formation has already exposed the deep divisions within the Indian political establishment.
Source: Boycott this 'baraat': Sanjay Raut slams delegation diplomacy on Op Sindoor