“We Decide Who Goes’’: Trinamool Congress Firm on Diplomatic Nominees Amid Political Clash

TMC Defies Centre, Claims Authority Over Diplomatic Postings in Escalating Power Struggle

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken a firm stance, asserting "We decide who goes," which directly challenges the central government's authority in appointments related to Indians and foreign affairs. This bold statement by a senior TMC leader has sparked intense political reactions, ranging from pointed responses to outright outrage, and has ignited a broader debate on India's foreign policy and center-state relations. 

The crux of the issue lies in the differing views between the BJP-led central government and regional parties like the TMC, which is particularly influential in West Bengal. While the center seeks to impose its will on key appointments, the TMC and similar parties demand a more consultative approach, especially for nominations impacting their states. As tensions between West Bengal and the TMC persist, speculation grows about potential changes to the existing model for diplomatic appointments 

The Diplomatic Appointments Dispute

TMC's Bold Challenge The Trinamool Congress (TMC) opposes the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) move, which was initiated after submitting a list of candidates for diplomatic positions, including those in areas with high Bengali populations. The party contends that it ought to have a negative license regarding any appointments about the interests of West Bengal, particularly in locations in Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

• The key Demand is that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) consult the center before the appointment process is completed.

https://t.co/8VlwjmEqVt

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee speaks publicly about the Centre’s diplomatic effort, stating “we decide who goes”, denying any boycott, but affirmatively indicating that she has authority at the state level to make nominations. Source: ANI, May 19, 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contended that appointments are a central government's core activity according to the Constitution.

In 2023, the DMK also objected to similar issues of disagreement over an appointee chosen by the MEA in the case of Tamil Nadu-related interest vacancies.

The Centre's coordinated action—Kiren Rijiju announces all-party diplomatic delegations under Operation Sindoor, signaling unanimity across party lines concerning foreign policy representation. 

The 2025 Diplomatic Appointments Environment: Is There a Political Appointee Trend

MEA statistics show a 30% rise in political appointments since 2020, which has generated valid questions about merit-based appointments. Opposition parties now appear to follow the BJP's persistent practice of appointing party loyalists over career diplomats.

Significant Figures (2025):

• Fifty-eight percent of G20 countries' ambassadorial appointments are political appointments.
  
  
• 42% of state governments are against recent appointments made by the MEA; TMC's counterpoint is that a greater number of diplomatic appointments need to be considered regional issues and not on the ideology of the central party alone.

Global and Public Responses: Who Is Right

There exists a dualistic perception among the populace:

Supporters of TMC's Position:

• It is quite arguable that countries have the inalienable right to speak and post about their diaspora.
  
  
• For example, it is possible to regard Punjab's unique way of framing postings regarding Canada.

Criticisms of the TMC's Position:

• Contends that it undermines national cohesion and consistency in international policy. There is concern that this could lead to a situation where all states start requesting the same perks.

International Responses:

• A 2025 Pew Research survey found that 45% of Indians felt merit should decide diplomatic postings, while 38% argued that political considerations were as crucial.
  
  
• The foreign envoys have privately complained that political infighting may hinder the prompt appointment of key diplomatic positions in the future.

A Defining Moment for India’s Diplomacy

The Trinamool Congress' belligerent stance goes beyond political posturing; it is a serious challenge to India's federal structure. As regional actors negotiate with the central government for the appointments of the country's diplomats, the question of whether this conflict will enhance India's global connections hangs in the air. This decision could impact how New Delhi and state capitals interact in the future.