'Is patriotism being Politicized back home?' Salman Khurshid’s blunt question sparks debate

While representing India abroad as part of an all-party anti-terror delegation, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid voiced his disappointment over political mudslinging back home. Taking to social media platform X (ex-Twitter), Khurshid remarked that it was "distressing that individuals at home are cutting political loyalties into calculations," asking, "Is it so hard to be patriotic?" 

When on mission against terrorism, to carry India’s message to the world, it’s distressing that people at home are calculating political allegiances. Is it so difficult to be patriotic?

— Salman Khurshid (@salman7khurshid) June 2, 2025

A united front abroad but tensions simmer at home

The all-party delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha is currently in Malaysia, after visiting Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. The team includes leaders from BJP, Congress, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, and others, united in their global campaign against terrorism. But despite the unity overseas, political bickering continues within India, especially over which party members were chosen to represent the country.

Congress vs Centre over delegation nominations

Khurshid’s remarks are seen as a veiled reaction to his own party’s lukewarm stance on the initiative. The Congress party had previously expressed displeasure over the government allegedly bypassing its nominated names. Fuel was added to the fire when Congress MP Jairam Ramesh remarked sarcastically, “Our MPs are roaming and terrorists are also roaming,” casting doubt over the mission’s relevance.

 Khurshid clarifies his role

In an interview with a news agency, Khurshid defended his participation, saying he is constantly being questioned about “siding with the BJP.” He made it clear: “I have come here to speak for India... whoever speaks for India, we are here to support.” Emphasizing unity over partisanship, he said the delegation’s objective transcends political lines and serves a larger national interest.

Anti-terror mission over political noise

Khurshid said accusations that he is supporting the BJP or the government miss the point entirely. “If I wanted to oppose the government, I would stay at home. But here, it’s India first India and only India.” The Congress veteran urged critics to rise above political rivalry during such crucial national missions, highlighting that his 10-12 day international campaign was purely for the country’s benefit.

Khurshid’s remark in Indonesia draws attention

During the delegation’s earlier stop in Jakarta, Salman Khurshid made headlines for acknowledging that Article 370 had created a psychological divide between Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of India. "But Article 370 was abrogated and it was finally put to an end," he stated while addressing Indonesian academics, indicating a shift in political narrative abroad.

Patriotism should rise above party lines

The Congress leader’s words have opened up an uncomfortable debate can leaders not come together, beyond party lines, when it comes to national security? His piercing question "Is it so hard to be patriotic?" has clearly struck a chord and exposed a deep fault line in Indian political discourse.