‘Is It So Difficult To Be Patriotic?’: Salman Khurshid Slams Political Allegiance Talks After Congress Barbs
While representing India's anti-terrorism stance abroad, Congress leader Salman Khurshid expressed concern over questions of political allegiances back home.
Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Monday expressed concern over the political divisions back home even as India strives to present a united front against terrorism on the global stage. Khurshid, who is part of the all-party parliamentary delegation currently touring East Asian countries, said that while the delegation is working to carry India’s anti-terrorism message abroad, it is “distressing” that some within the country remain preoccupied with political loyalties.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khurshid wrote, “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?”
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
On Sunday, Khurshid had underlined the importance of unity in combating terrorism, calling for a collective global response to ensure peace and prosperity.
“With one voice India is saying, ‘Terrorism no more.’… We hope to create a collective rise against terrorism to make the globe peaceful and prosperous… We can confidently say, ‘We shall overcome’,” he said.
Addressing a gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Khurshid highlighted the diversity and unity within the Indian delegation, stating that despite coming from different political parties, regions, and religions, all members were united in their condemnation of terrorism.
“The message we come with. It is a message of unity. We are from several parties. We are from several regions of India. We are from several religions of India. But if you want to see how, when it comes to the nation and your motherland, how you come together and how you combine, how you speak in a single voice is what we are here to show. Which is something that we, by commitment and deep in our hearts, feel very strongly, which is why we are here together to present this picture to you,” he said.
Khurshid also drew a parallel with the armed forces, stating that soldiers at the borders serve with a singular sentiment – to protect Mother India.
The all-party delegation is being led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and is currently visiting partner countries to reinforce India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy.
Previously, the Modi government picked Shashi Tharoor and Salman Khurshid for its all-party delegation making wide open an internal rift as both names were not included by the grand old party which was asked to recommed four names for the global outreach.
Congress Barbs To Shashi Tharoor Over All-Party Delegation Pick
In response, Congress communications leader Jairam Ramesh slammed the government for its "dishonesty" in choosing Tharoor without the party's approval.
"MPs must be consulted before being included in delegations. We're all party members, and the government needs to talk to the opposition leaders," Ramesh stated.
Comparing Congress to the Ganga, he also subtly jabbed at Tharoor, saying, "The Congress is like the mighty Ganga, which has many tributaries. Some become contaminated, while others dry up."
He also asked Congress leaders picked by the Modi government must listen to their conscience and contribute to the exercise.
"They included only one leader out of the four names we sent. Four other names were added by the government, who are senior MPs and leaders of our party, they should listen to their conscience and contribute in the delegations," Ramesh told PTI.
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