"Opposition should be happy their leaders are included": Rajasthan BJP chief on all-party delegations

Pali (Rajasthan) [India], May 19 (ANI): Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore on Monday said the Opposition should appreciate that their leaders were included in the all-party delegations being sent abroad to project India's united stance against terrorism.
Defending the selection process, Rathore said MPs were chosen based on their communication skills, and the move reflects the government's inclusive intent.
Speaking to ANI, Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore said, "This shows the large-heartedness of the country's leadership. They have included the Opposition to present the country's image to the world. They have shown great trust in the Opposition. To gain the confidence of the world, these teams are being sent, and Congress and other Opposition MPs are part of it. MPs with strong communication skills have been chosen. The Opposition should be happy that their leaders have been included. Why do they have an objection?"
His remarks came in response to Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, who accused the Centre of playing "cheap politics" and indulging in "politicising" the delegation process by not including all the names proposed by the Opposition.

Ramesh alleged that despite formally submitting four names on request, the government ignored most of them, undermining parliamentary conventions and trust between the Opposition and the ruling party.
According to Congress, the party had submitted four names to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by May 16, but the final list released late on May 17 included only one of the suggested names.
The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.
The list includes MPs from multiple parties, divided into seven groups of 8 to 9 members. A leader has been assigned for each group, who will lead the delegation at a global level.
The Members of Parliament include Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde. (ANI)