Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's presence at the high-profile banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin has ignited a political controversy within his own party. The event, hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday night, saw Tharoor in attendance while the top Congress leadership, notably Leader of Opposition in both Houses Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, were conspicuously absent from the guest list.
Tharoor's Social Media Post and Party Backlash
On Saturday, Tharoor took to the social media platform X to share his experience from the dinner. He posted a photograph and described a "warm and engaging atmosphere" where he enjoyed conversations with attendees, particularly members of the Russian delegation. This public post, however, came against the backdrop of sharp questions from within the Congress party.
The party's media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, openly criticized the government for the protocol breach of not inviting the Leaders of Opposition. When questioned about Tharoor's decision to accept the invite despite the snub to his seniors, Khera suggested it was a matter of personal conscience. "All of us who are in the party, if our leaders don't get invited and we get invited, we need to question our own conscience," Khera stated, implying disapproval of Tharoor's choice.
A History of Protocol and Political Accusations
The controversy did not emerge in isolation. Just a day before Putin's visit, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the government, out of "insecurity," instructs visiting foreign dignitaries not to meet the Leader of Opposition. Tharoor himself provided context, noting that the chairman of the external affairs committee was once routinely invited to such state functions, a practice that has since been discontinued.
The banquet itself was a significant diplomatic occasion, marking the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership. President Murmu, in her welcome address, acknowledged Putin's support for this longstanding relationship. The event followed the 23rd India-Russia summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin, where several agreements on migration, shipping, and health were signed, and an economic cooperation roadmap until 2030 was agreed upon.
Vegetarian Feast and the Lingering Political Aftertaste
Beyond the politics, the dinner was noted for its elaborate all-vegetarian menu showcasing regional Indian cuisine. Dishes ranged from Murungelai Chaaru soup and Gucchi Doon Chetin to a variety of breads and saffron-infused pulao.
Nevertheless, the political narrative dominated the aftermath. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling dispensation and the opposition over protocol and access, while also revealing a rare public divergence within the Congress ranks on how to respond to such perceived slights. Tharoor's night of diplomatic engagement has thus left a complex legacy of internal party debate and external political accusation.
