In a recent development, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan has declined the central government’s invitation to join a multi-party parliamentary delegation for the global outreach programme under Operation Sindoor. The Centre had named Pathan as part of a team set to visit several countries to present India’s strong stance against terrorism, especially after the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Sources within the TMC revealed that the party was not consulted before Pathan’s name was included in the list of 51 leaders selected for the diplomatic missions. The TMC leadership, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, promptly informed the Centre that neither Yusuf Pathan nor any other TMC MP would be joining the delegations. The party reiterated its position that foreign policy is the exclusive responsibility of the Union government and that the Centre should take full accountability for such international matters.

TMC Cites Lack of Consultation and Policy Stand

A senior TMC leader stated, “We believe the nation is above all, and we have always supported the government in protecting our country. Our armed forces make us proud, and we are grateful for their service. However, foreign policy is completely the Union government’s domain. Let the Centre decide and take responsibility.”

The government’s initiative was to send seven delegations, each comprising leaders from different parties, to 32 countries and the European Union headquarters. These delegations were to be led by senior MPs from various parties and supported by former diplomats, aiming to build global support for India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.

Yusuf Pathan was assigned to a team led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, scheduled to visit Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Alongside Pathan, the team included leaders from the BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and a former diplomat.

The TMC’s withdrawal follows similar criticism from other opposition parties, who have questioned the Centre’s approach and the lack of proper consultation. With Yusuf Pathan and the TMC stepping back, the party has made it clear that international diplomacy should remain with the Union government, and any such outreach should be directly managed by the Centre.