TMC makes U-turn, Abhishek Banerjee to join Centre’s anti-terror delegation
TMC MP will replace Yusuf Pathan, who was picked by the Centre for the delegation, but voluntarily dropped out
Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee will represent the party in the all-party delegations that would visit different countries to convey India's stand on terror post Operation Sindoor.
Making the announcement on X, the party said Abhishek’s inclusion in the delegation would not only reflect West Bengal’s “firm stand against terror, but also strengthen India’s collective voice on the global stage”.
‘Firm stand on terror’
“We’re delighted to share that our Chairperson Smt. @MamataOfficial has nominated Nat'l GS Shri @abhishekaitc to represent Trinamool Congress in the all-party delegation for India’s global outreach against terrorism. At a time when the world must unite to confront the growing threat of terrorism, Shri Abhishek Banerjee’s inclusion brings both conviction and clarity to the table. His presence will not only reflect Bengal’s firm stand against terror but also strengthen India’s collective voice on the global stage,” the post said.
The TMC’s decision came after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a source told PTI.
The source claimed Rijiju called Banerjee to "pacify" her and seek her suggestions for a representative to the multi-party delegations from her party.
Also Read: Yusuf Pathan drops out of anti-terror outreach team; TMC blames Centre
Diplomatic mission
The Centre has picked 51 political leaders, parliamentarians and former ministers cutting across party lines as members of seven delegations travelling to world capitals to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.
However, the TMC was unhappy that the Centre did not consult it before choosing members. On Monday (May 19), TMC MP Yusuf Pathan was picked by the Centre as a member of the delegation led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha.
But, Pathan, opted out of the tour.
Mamata's stand
Speaking about the diplomatic outreach programme, Banerjee had affirmed the party’s support for the Centre in its anti-terrorism efforts.
She said her party was not boycotting the multi-party diplomatic mission aimed at countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and would send its representatives once a formal request is received from the Centre.
“But if there is a multi-party delegation going, it will be the individual party to decide its representatives," Banerjee told reporters at the city airport before leaving for Delhi.
Also Read: India’s mega diplomatic outreach: Full list of MPs and their destinations
'Stand with Centre, but...'
Addressing the media, Abhishek had also affirmed that the TMC supports India’s efforts against terrorism but criticised the Centre for bypassing the party in the nomination process.
"We stand with the central government on all decisions related to the national interest, combating terrorism, and safeguarding the country. However, the central government cannot decide who will represent the Trinamool Congress in the delegation," he had said.