‘Political differences can always exist but…’: BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj on 3 Congress CMs ‘skipping’ BRICS dinner

The BJP on Tuesday criticised the Congress after three of its chief ministers skipped the dinner hosted by the government for BRICS leaders, accusing them of “prioritising partisan politics over the national interest”.

Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj questioned whether the Congress, in opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had now started “opposing India” as well.

“Political and ideological differences can always exist in politics. But when it comes to India and national interest, there should be no room for personal animosity or discord,” Swaraj said.

“It is distressing that when the three chief ministers from the Congress party were invited to the BRICS summit dinner, they prioritised partisan politics over the national interest. I would like to ask Congress — in your opposition to PM Modi, have you now started to oppose India as well?” she said.

She also said political and ideological differences can always exist in politics. "But when it comes to India and national interest, there should be no room for personal animosity or discord," she said.

— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2026

Swaraj’s remarks came after official sources said chief ministers from opposition-ruled states were also invited to the BRICS dinner but did not attend.

While Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay was abroad, three Congress chief ministers invited to the dinner also skipped the event.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had accepted the invitation a day before the September 12 dinner hosted by Modi. However, his office later informed the government that he would be unable to attend due to “unavoidable circumstances”.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also did not attend the dinner.

Government sources told Times of India that the decision to invite chief ministers from different states was part of India’s broader effort to host BRICS-related events across various cities during its presidency of the grouping.

The sources said the decision by opposition chief ministers to skip the dinner was “unfortunate”.

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.