New Delhi [India], May 19: Congress leader Sandeep Dixit has criticized the BJP for its handling of the multi-party parliamentary delegation formed under Operation Sindoor, accusing the ruling party of avoiding accountability and sidelining the Opposition’s input.
Commenting on the initiative aimed at promoting India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism, Dixit stressed the need for a clear and assertive foreign strategy. “The problem with the BJP is that they are no longer in the habit of answering any questions. Congress has always maintained that a delegation should go. They should set clear goals, put pressure on Pakistan, and tell the world that Pakistan has become a terrorist state,” Dixit said.
Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh echoed the criticism, accusing the government of playing “cheap politics” by not including all four names recommended by Congress for the delegation. Ramesh said that the Centre’s exclusion of most of their nominees undermines parliamentary traditions and weakens trust between the government and the Opposition.
Despite Congress submitting its nominations by May 16, only one name—Shashi Tharoor—was included in the final list released on May 17.
The delegations, formed as part of Operation Sindoor, are tasked with representing India’s national consensus and zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. MPs from various parties have been grouped into seven teams of 8-9 members, each led by a senior Parliamentarian. Destinations include strategic partner nations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Group leaders include BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Congress’ Shashi Tharoor, DMK’s Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, JDU’s Sanjay Kumar Jha, NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Eknath Shinde.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and aims to counter global misinformation while asserting India’s global stance on terrorism.