Salman Khurshid's message to 'people at home' after Article 370 remark: 'Is it so difficult to be patriotic?'

Congress leaderSalman Khurshid on Monday expressed concern over political divisions in India, even as a multi-party delegation travels abroad to highlight the country’s united stand against terrorism. Khurshid, a senior politician and former foreign minister, is currently in East Asia as part of an all-party parliamentary group led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. Posting on X, Khurshid wrote, “When on mission against terrorism, to carry India’s message to the world, it’s distressing that people at home are calculating political allegiances. Is it so difficult to be patriotic?”

During a public address in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Khurshid underlined India’s collective voice on terrorism. “With one voice, India is saying, ‘Terrorism no more.’ Khurshid said this unity should be visible not just abroad, but also back home.

“We come with a message of unity. If you want to see how people from various political parties speak in one voice for the country, this is it,” he told the audience. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is part of another delegation currently in Brazil, had made similar remarks. He urged critics to hold off until the delegations complete their mission. “Undoubtedly, in a democracy, criticism is natural. But for now, we should focus on the mission,” he said.

Congress party has been attacking the Modi government on Operation Sindoor. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and spokesperson Pawan Khera have demanded clarity on the terms of the ceasefire with Pakistan. They accused the government of misleading the nation after retaliatory strikes in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.