Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s cryptic silence sparked curiosity in political circles as he arrived at Parliament, refusing to confirm whether he would participate in the highly anticipated debate on Operation Sindoor. When pressed by reporters for a response, Tharoor merely repeated the phrase "maun vrat," indicating a voluntary vow of silence. This minimalist yet intentional reply hinted at an inner conflict or disagreement within party ranks as the Congress prepared to launch a scathing critique of the government’s handling of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Party insiders later revealed that Tharoor had declined to participate in the discussion despite being approached by senior members, including officials from the Leader of Opposition’s office. Tharoor reportedly told the leadership that his views on Operation Sindoor—having consistently praised it as a success—stood in stark contrast to the party’s critical stance. Rather than compromise his personal position or publicly contradict the party line, he chose not to speak during the debate. His refusal, sources say, was rooted in a principled decision to avoid hypocrisy, further highlighting his complex relationship with the Congress high command.
Tharoor’s name was notably missing from the Congress's list of speakers, which includes senior leaders like Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deependra Hooda, and Rahul Gandhi, who is expected to speak on the matter tomorrow. The party's strategic lineup appears to reflect a cohesive and united front, with voices aligned in critiquing the government’s perceived lapses. However, Tharoor’s absence has only added to speculation about internal dissent and his ideological distance from certain party narratives.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP's current stance must also be viewed in the context of past frictions. In a previous instance, Tharoor drew criticism from within his own party for leading a government-backed delegation abroad during a phase of diplomatic tension with Pakistan. His public defense of the government’s approach was seen by many Congress leaders as a breach of internal consensus, reinforcing perceptions of his maverick image. These episodes underline Tharoor's increasingly tenuous position within the Congress fold, often walking a fine line between personal conviction and party allegiance.
Meanwhile, the broader political landscape remains tense, as the Opposition has agreed to a marathon 16-hour debate in both Houses of Parliament. The focus will be on dissecting the government’s response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and evaluating the efficacy of Operation Sindoor. Critics, including Rahul Gandhi, have targeted the Modi government for alleged intelligence failures and have raised questions about foreign diplomatic narratives—particularly US President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about mediating between India and Pakistan, which India has formally denied. As the debate unfolds, Tharoor’s silence may speak louder than words, symbolizing the growing ideological rifts within the Opposition as it confronts a series of high-stakes national security issues.
