Will watch India-Pakistan match instead of Narendra Modi’s swearing-in-ceremony’: Shashi Tharoor
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor made headlines on Saturday with his decision to skip Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony following the BJP’s failure to secure a clear majority in the recent Lok Sabha polls. Tharoor, who had not been invited to the ceremony, stated that he would rather watch the highly anticipated India-Pakistan cricket match.
The much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on June 9 at around 8 PM IST in the United States, coinciding with Modi’s swearing-in ceremony at 7:15 PM on the same day. While preparations are underway for Modi to assume office for a third consecutive term, several distinguished guests from neighboring countries and the Indian Ocean region have been invited to the event.
Leaders such as President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe; President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu; Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif; Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina; Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth; Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’; and Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, have confirmed their attendance.
Tharoor also commented on the significance of inviting Maldives despite recent tensions, expressing hope for a meeting between Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Modi post-ceremony. However, he pointed out the absence of Pakistan in the guest list, signaling a strained relationship.
“It’s good that at least the Maldives is making an effort to attend and engage in dialogue. This particular president’s visit holds promise for discussions that serve both countries’ interests,” Tharoor remarked. “The exclusion of Pakistan from the invitation list once again underscores underlying tensions.”
As the nation awaits the swearing-in ceremony and the cricket match, Tharoor’s decision to prioritize sports over politics adds an interesting twist to the unfolding events.
(With inputs from agencies)