Shashi Tharoor (Credit: OpenAI)
A state banquet is being hosted for Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan Congress says Rahul Gandhi and Kharge did not receive invitations this has triggered anger inside the party they feel top leaders were ignored unfairly meanwhile Shashi Tharoor confirmed that he has been invited this has deepened the controversy Congress leaders say protocol is being broken and politics is at play.
Tharoor is Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs he said that is why he was invited he confirmed he will attend the dinner he showed no hesitation about it his position on foreign affairs seems the main reason Congress leaders feel leadership is sidelined again they say invitation choice looks political more than official.
Congress media head Pawan Khera targeted Tharoor directly he said some should listen to conscience before accepting such invitations he also questioned the manner of invite Khera said both the invitation and acceptance raise serious doubts his remarks clearly pointed at Tharoor the tension inside the party is visible again unity claims look weak tonight.
Khera told reporters that if he was in that position he would listen to the voice of inner conscience he said accepting such an invite invites questions he insisted journalists should ask Tharoor why he is attending Khera hinted at disrespect shown to top Congress leadership his comments triggered fresh debate within party ranks the split is out in open.
Tharoor kept his answer short and clear he said he will surely attend the dinner he defended the invitation as a formal responsibility he avoided any political fight he made it clear his role is linked to foreign affairs he did not engage with remarks from party colleagues he wished to keep focus on diplomatic event not internal politics.
Putin’s India visit is globally watched the dinner guest list carries importance absence of opposition leaders looks unusual Congress believes protocol demands their presence leaving them out sends wrong message party members see this as political exclusion this is why emotions are high tonight the controversy overshadowed diplomatic celebration.
Party leadership may seek clarity on decision critics want equal respect for opposition roles Tharoor may face more internal heat but he stays committed to go the dinner will happen with him present media and social platforms are reacting sharply Congress once again shows internal friction political sparks may continue tomorrow and in coming days.
Copyright © 2025 Top Indian News
