Tensions are surfacing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance following the Centre’s formation of an all-party delegation under ‘Operation Sindoor’, tasked with presenting India’s position against Pakistan on the global stage, particularly at the United Nations, after the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has been one of the most vocal critics of the initiative. He raised concerns about the lack of consultation with his party, despite it having nine Lok Sabha members and questioned the need for such a delegation, arguing that India’s High Commissioners abroad are already equipped to handle diplomatic engagements. Raut also warned that this move could risk ‘internationalising the Kashmir issue.’
Adding fuel to the fire, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the Centre of politicizing the delegation’s formation. He expressed outrage over External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s reported remark about informing Pakistan ahead of an Indian military action, calling it a betrayal that warranted sedition charges. Nevertheless, Thackeray clarified that his party would still send a representative, affirming its commitment to national interest despite reservations.
In sharp contrast, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has taken a more measured and statesmanlike position. Speaking to the media in Baramati, Pawar cautioned political leaders against intertwining domestic rivalries with matters of international diplomacy. He stressed the importance of presenting a united front on global platforms, recalling his own participation in a United Nations delegation during the tenure of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, led by then opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“When the nation faces international challenges, internal political differences should be set aside,” Pawar asserted. He also pointed out the irony in Sanjay Raut’s criticism by highlighting that Priyanka Chaturvedi, a leader from Raut’s own party, is part of one of the delegations. “Such diplomatic missions should not be politicised,” he said.
Congress has also voiced displeasure over the process. Senior leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan revealed that the party was not consulted before its representative was chosen. Congress had submitted four names, yet Shashi Tharoor was appointed to lead the delegation without internal deliberation, sparking frustration within party ranks.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, who is a member of the delegation, accused the UBT faction of politicizing a matter of national importance. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended the Centre’s move, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that the delegation includes voices from across party lines. He described the mission as essential to “tear the mask and show the real face of Pakistan” to the global community.
The Centre has constituted seven delegations comprising 51 leaders, MPs, and former ministers from various political backgrounds. As part of this effort, Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) working president and Baramati MP, has also joined one of the groups engaging with international counterparts on India’s counter-terrorism stance.
Despite the presence of MVA leaders in the delegation, the alliance’s internal disagreements risk undermining the larger diplomatic objective. The inclusion of Priyanka Chaturvedi, despite her party’s public opposition, exemplifies the contradictions within the alliance. Whether the MVA can reconcile these differences and support a united national narrative on the global stage remains to be seen.
