Abhishek Banerjee to represent TMC in Operation Sindoor's global outreach delegation

The TMC on Tuesday put up an X post that reads, "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."

Mamata Banerjee, who heads the TMC, on Monday said her party backs the Centre's policy on Foreign Affairs but the union government is not entitled to decide on which MP from her party will join the global outreach delegation to brief the world on India's stand against terrorism.

Mamata made the clarification after reportedly her MP from Baharampur, former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, snubbed the Centre's offer to join the delegation which will be touring different parts of the world in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said, "I said that they (Centre) cannot decide the name. If they request us, the party will decide the name. This is the custom and system.

"We are totally with the central government regarding External Affairs policy and we are fully supporting them. We have no hesitation to say that."

"However, they cannot unilaterally decide on the name of the representative by consulting only the Parliamentary Party, and not the parent party," she added.

As per reports, Rijiju had called the Chief Minister to pacify her and sought her suggestion for the party's representative.

Earlier, the central government had snubbed the Congress' choices and instead picked its MP Shashi Tharoor, who has praised Modi's several foreign policies of late, to lead a delegation in the United States.

The government has formed seven all-delegations which will visit key partner countries including members of the UN Security Council later this month to carry the message in the context of Operation Sindoor.

The delegations will showcase India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism globally.

Each delegation comprises Members of Parliament from different parties, political personalities, and diplomats.

Tharoor has been picked as one of the seven leaders who will lead seven different all-party delegations to key partner nations.