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Shashi Tharoor a ‘Default Option’: CPI(M)'s John Brittas backs Congress MP amid delegation row

CPI(M) MP John Brittas has strongly defended Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s inclusion in the Union government’s anti-terrorism delegation, calling him a “default option” for global outreach due to his diplomatic experience.

Written by : TNM Staff

Amid a political row over Shashi Tharoor’s inclusion in the Union government’s delegation to mobilise global support against cross-border terrorism, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has come out in strong defence of the Congress leader, calling him a “default option” for such international outreach efforts.

John Brittas, who is part of the multi-party delegation travelling abroad to highlight India’s concerns on terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, said there should be no questions raised about the eligibility or capability of Shashi Tharoor.

“Casting aspersions on the efficacy or the integrity or the efficiency or eligibility of a member like Shashi Tharoor should have been avoided,” Brittas told NDTV. “I know him personally. Both of us are in the MEA standing committee and he was an international diplomat even before joining the Congress party. His service should be used by the country, and he should have been a default option. I don’t have any doubt about it,” said Brittas. 

Brittas’ remarks come after the Congress raised objections to the Union Government including Tharoor and Manish Tewari in the delegation, as the party did not recommend their names. It had instead suggested the names of Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, and Raja Brar.

The episode sparked internal tensions, with some leaders questioning Tharoor’s decision to go ahead without formal approval from the party leadership.

However, Brittas noted that national interest must take precedence over political differences.

“We have our reservations and disagreements with this government in domestic politics, but for the larger cause of the nation we are part of this delegation,” he said. “National interest is uppermost in our mind.”

He added that the effort was a form of public diplomacy aimed at clearly distinguishing India’s position from that of Pakistan. “When it comes to international delegations like this, we are glad to be part of it because basically we are trying to push the agenda of India,” he said.