Fact-Check: Did Shashi Tharoor got included for India’s Global Anti-Terror Delegation?

Claim:

The Modi government included Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in India’s all-party anti-terror delegation despite the Congress not recommending his name.

Verdict: True

What Happened?

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Indian government announced an all-party delegation to visit key partner countries to carry India’s message of zero tolerance against terrorism. Among the seven names announced was Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, former Minister of State for External Affairs and current Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.

While this should have been a routine bipartisan gesture, the announcement exposed internal rifts within the Congress party. Why? Because Tharoor’s name was not among those officially suggested by the Congress party leadership to the Centre.

The Facts

• The government reached out to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday morning (May 16) to provide four names for the delegation.
• By the afternoon, the Congress officially suggested the following names:
  • Anand Sharma (former Union Minister; not currently an MP)
  • Gaurav Gogoi, MP
  • Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, MP
  • Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, MP
• According to Congress communications head Jairam Ramesh, Shashi Tharoor was not on the list submitted by the party.
• Despite this, the Union government included Tharoor in the final list of seven leaders. Other members include:
  • Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP)
  • Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU)
  • Baijayant Panda (BJP)
  • Kanimozhi (DMK)
  • Supriya Sule (NCP-SP)
  • Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena)

Analysis

Tharoor has often held views that are independent of the party line and has recently been seen as somewhat contrarian to the Congress high command. His inclusion — despite not being recommended by Congress — reflects two major developments:

1. Congress Rift Exposed: The fact that he wasn’t chosen by his own party, but was selected by the Centre, points to growing internal divisions.
2. Missed Opportunity by Rahul Gandhi: Political analysts argue that Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of Opposition, missed a chance to lead or participate in the delegation. His absence is being seen as a political blunder.

What Did Tharoor Say?

In a dignified response, Tharoor acknowledged the government’s decision, stating:

“When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting.”
— Shashi Tharoor on X (formerly Twitter)

This further reinforces his public positioning as a statesman first, politician second.

Official Statement

Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, posted:

“In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united… A powerful reflection of national unity above politics.”

The Bottom Line

The claim is true. Congress did not recommend Shashi Tharoor for the anti-terror delegation. His inclusion was a direct decision by the Central government, potentially exposing internal disagreements within the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi’s decision not to be part of the mission is being seen as a missed political and diplomatic opportunity.