Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 13 (ANI): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday criticised the Centre alleging that 115 of the 315 speakers cleared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the Bharat Summit 2026 were reportedly denied entry into India or had their visas cancelled, allegedly on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), questioning the legal basis for the decision.
In a post on X, Tharoor described the development as a "disappointing footnote" to the summit proceedings and expressed concern over the government's decision to prevent the speakers from attending the event.
"A disappointing footnote to the #BharatSummit proceedings: when I got to Hyderabad, I learned that 115 of the 315 speakers whom the External Affairs Ministry had cleared for the event ended up being refused entry to India or having their visas cancelled, apparently on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs," Tharoor wrote.
A disappointing footnote to the #BharatSummit proceedings: when I got to Hyderabad, I learned that 115 of the 315 speakers whom the External Affairs Ministry had cleared for the event ended up being refused entry to India or having their visas cancelled, apparently on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is completely unclear under what provision of law the government has taken such a drastic step, but it is obviously impossible to reverse it since the conference concludes tomorrow. What a shame that a proud democracy has become so insecure that it must stifle any voices it fears will be critical!
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 13, 2026
Questioning the grounds for the decision, he said, "It is completely unclear under what provision of law the government has taken such a drastic step, but it is obviously impossible to reverse it since the conference concludes tomorrow."
"What a shame that a proud democracy has become so insecure that it must stifle any voices it fears will be critical!" he added.
Tharoor also attended the opening day of the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad, where experts from around 70 countries have gathered for discussions on the emerging global order, India's strategic response, cooperative federalism and electoral integrity.
In another post on X, the Congress MP said he participated in an afternoon discussion involving international think tanks from various countries and delivered the keynote address on the changing world order at the opening dinner.
"The Summit has drawn around 1,000 delegates, including global policymakers, progressive leaders and senior Congress leaders @RahulGandhi and Mallikarjun @Kharge. The event will also focus on establishing a think tank called 'Our World Institute'," he said.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal criticised the BJP and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for their criticism of the summit, alleging that both parties were attempting to undermine the event.
Speaking to ANI, Sappal said, "See, BRS party and BJP party together, you know, they are both playing the game here. The main thing is that BRS party doesn't understand what Bharat Summit is. BRS party and BJP party don't understand what Bharat Summit is and what is going to happen here."
Explaining the objective of the summit, he said the initiative aimed to bring together countries committed to democracy and address the gaps between global capitalism, global challenges and global governance.
"We are actually collaborating with the majority of countries which are with democracy. There is too much of a gap with global capitalism and global challenges and global governance. So, we are trying to fill up the gap," he said.
Sappal alleged that instead of supporting the initiative, the BRS was resorting to trolling and other activities that served no purpose. He also emphasised that the summit was not merely a Congress party programme but an initiative of the Telangana government.
"First of all, they should understand Bharat Summit. It is for Telangana investments also. We are not only working for the Congress party. It is not the Congress party organising it; the Congress government is organising it. That is nothing but the Telangana government, and all four crore people are representing this Bharat Summit," he said.
Accusing the opposition parties of not wanting Telangana's growth, he said they were resorting to "cheap tricks" by circulating trolls on social media.
Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Sappal questioned the rationale behind opposing an event that was bringing global leaders to India.
"Why are opposition parties criticising? They have no reason to do so because this is a good event where we are getting global leaders and showcasing India. We are showing that India is a nice place, a good place for investments. Good job opportunities will be created. So, where is the question of opposing this event? The opposition leaders, I think, are becoming bankrupt in their ideas. They need to set right their ideas rather than oppose such good events," he said.
Meanwhile, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka also criticised the BJP and BRS over their opposition to the Bharat Summit.
"BJP and BRS don't understand liberalism, being progressive and justice. They are against these principles and oppose them," Vikramarka said.
Delegates and representatives from more than 70 countries arrived in Hyderabad on Friday to participate in the Bharat Summit 2026, being held on November 13 and 14 at HITEX.
The summit is expected to bring together more than 1,000 elected representatives, policymakers and intellectuals to deliberate on global issues, peace, economic development and international cooperation. The two-day gathering brings together elected representatives, policymakers and intellectuals for discussions on issues of global significance. (ANI)
