TMC: Not for govt to decide on delegates unilaterally

KOLKATA: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticised Monday the central govt's decision to select MPs for diplomatic missions without consulting their parties, while reaffirming TMC 's full backing on matters of national interest.

She questioned the process used by the Centre in choosing TMC MP Yusuf Pathan for an all-party delegation countering Pakistani narrative abroad after Operation Sindoor.

Banerjee said: "No request came to us. We can, of course, consider it when it does. We are totally committed to the country's best interests." Banerjee stressed the difference between objecting to procedural lapses and rejecting the mission. "It is not that we are boycotting or not going. That is a wrong notion. But they need to inform the party. They cannot decide the member's name on their own. It is the party's choice."

Banerjee said while Trinamool Congress 's parliamentary party is informed, the parent party remains in the dark. "The parliamentary party functions only when the house is in session; it cannot take policy decisions," she said.

Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee echoed the Bengal CM's stand, saying the party supports all measures to safeguard sovereignty and fight terrorism , but demanded respect for party authority in such matters.

"We stand with the Centre in any decision aimed at curbing terrorism and protecting national sovereignty. But selecting a delegation member without consulting the party is unacceptable," the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha MP said before heading to New Delhi for a standing committee meeting on external affairs. "The party nominated me to this committee. The Centre cannot decide unilaterally who will represent which political party."

Calling for inclusive discussions, Abhishek said: "The Centre should have invited us to nominate representatives. We would have complied. But how can they decide? These MPs were elected on Trinamool's symbol." He rejected any notion of non-cooperation. "I am putting this on record - Trinamool has not politicised this issue. Some in the governing dispensation and a few opposition parties have. I condemn that. There is no place for politics when the country is at stake," he added.