**Centre’s All-Party Delegation on Operation Sindoor Triggers Unease in Maharashtra Alliance**
The Indian government’s recent decision to establish an all-party parliamentary delegation for diplomatic outreach regarding Operation Sindoor has led to noticeable discomfort within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has criticized the initiative as “politically motivated,” expressing concerns that it may “internationalize the Kashmir issue.” In contrast, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar has adopted a more conciliatory approach, urging leaders to prioritize national interests over party politics.
The delegation aims to engage with the United Nations and present a unified stance against Pakistan. However, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena has voiced strong objections, particularly regarding the exclusion of key stakeholders from the decision-making process. Raut questioned the rationale behind the delegation’s formation, stating, “Despite having nine Lok Sabha MPs, we were not consulted. Our embassies and High Commissioners are fully equipped to handle diplomatic responsibilities.” He warned that mismanagement of such initiatives could lead to the internationalization of the Kashmir issue, a situation that previous Indian governments have sought to avoid.
Adding to the discontent, Aaditya Thackeray accused the Modi government of politicizing the delegation. He specifically criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s alleged comments about having warned Pakistan prior to the strike, labeling it “a betrayal” that warrants sedition charges. “We will still send our representative because we are committed to the national interest. But this is not how such sensitive matters should be handled,” Thackeray stated.
In response to the backlash, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that Jaishankar’s remarks referred to warnings issued at the beginning of Operation Sindoor, countering claims that they were made before the operation commenced. The ministry emphasized that the misrepresentation of facts is being addressed.
Contrasting the stance of the Uddhav Sena, Sharad Pawar called for a more measured approach, urging leaders to set aside party affiliations on national issues. “When international issues arise, party-level politics should be set aside. The Centre has formed delegations to communicate India’s position regarding the Pahalgam attack and subsequent actions from Pakistan,” Pawar remarked.
From the Congress camp, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the party was not consulted on the appointment of Shashi Tharoor to lead the delegation. “We had submitted four names, but Tharoor was chosen without discussion,” he claimed.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this diplomatic outreach and the internal discord within the MVA alliance remain to be seen.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is Operation Sindoor?**
A: Operation Sindoor is a military initiative by India aimed at addressing security concerns related to Pakistan, particularly in the context of the Kashmir issue.