Tharoor on Putin banquet: "Warm & engaging"; Congress questions his invite

• Shashi Tharoor attended a banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the atmosphere as "warm and engaging."
• The banquet, hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, marked the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership.
• Congress criticized Tharoor for attending, as opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were not invited.
• Congress accused the government of breaching protocols by not inviting opposition leaders to the event.
• Rahul Gandhi alleged the government prevents foreign dignitaries from meeting opposition leaders due to "insecurity."

Why It Matters: It shows political protocol breaches and internal party criticism regarding a state banquet.