A new round of internal discord within the Congress party surfaced as senior leader Shashi Tharoor appears to have opted out of participating in the ongoing Parliamentary debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’, despite direct approaches from the party leadership.

The development comes amidst heightened political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory response under Operation Sindoor, a counterterrorism initiative led by the Centre. As Parliament gears up for a high-stakes debate involving the ruling NDA and Opposition parties, Tharoor’s silence is being seen as indicative of a growing rift between him and the Congress high command.

Tharoor Declines Invitation to Speak

According to party insiders, Congress MPs who wish to speak in Parliament must submit their names to the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) office. Tharoor, however, did not send his name. Even after being personally approached by the party leadership to participate in the debate, he reportedly declined.

This decision comes at a time when Tharoor’s independent foreign policy stance, particularly in support of the Centre’s response to Pakistan, has drawn internal criticism from various sections of the Congress party.

Growing Rift within the Party

The Thiruvananthapuram MP has been at odds with his party for quite some time now. His praise of the Modi government’s foreign policy, especially after the Pahalgam incident, has been met with backlash. Notably, Tharoor was chosen by the government to lead an all-party delegation on India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, which reportedly did not sit well with senior Congress leaders.

In a speech delivered in Kochi on July 19, Tharoor defended his stance, saying,

"A lot of people have been very critical of me... But I will stand my ground because I believe this is the right thing for the country."

His remarks have only added fuel to the fire, especially as he continued to make public statements praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “prime asset for India” owing to his “energy, dynamism, and willingness.”

These views, though appreciated by some outside the Congress fold, have deepened suspicions about Tharoor’s loyalty to the party’s official line. His article criticising Indira Gandhi’s imposition of the Emergency, published in a Malayalam daily, further isolated him from many Congress loyalists.

Congress Enforces Discipline Amid Tensions

Amid growing scrutiny and speculation of internal factionalism, the Congress party issued a whip on Sunday to all Lok Sabha MPs, instructing them to remain present in the House for three consecutive days starting Monday. The instruction coincides with Parliament’s agenda to debate the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, two subjects that hold immense significance in the context of national security and India's strategic posture.

While the ruling NDA is set to deploy its senior-most leaders in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for the debate, the Opposition is expected to put forward Rahul Gandhi and Gaurav Gogoi, among others. There had been speculation that Tharoor would also play a pivotal role, especially given his background in foreign affairs, but his non-participation is now almost certain.

Operation Sindoor: The Broader Context

‘Operation Sindoor’ was initiated as India’s direct military and diplomatic response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which led to multiple casualties and widespread anger across the country. The operation has since evolved into a multi-pronged foreign policy initiative designed to isolate Pakistan on the international stage while reinforcing domestic security protocols.

The BJP-led Centre has used the operation as a rallying point for asserting national unity, claiming success in achieving key objectives, including diplomatic wins at the United Nations and better international collaboration against terrorism. The Congress, while supportive of the armed forces, has been cautious in its critique, often accusing the BJP of politicising national security.

Tharoor, however, has taken a markedly different route, choosing to support the Centre’s approach. This has puzzled and angered senior Congress members, many of whom see it as undermining the party’s broader positioning on the issue.

Public Reaction and Political Implications

Social media and political commentators have taken sharp notice of Tharoor’s refusal to engage in the debate. While some praise his principled stand, others view it as a sign of disengagement from party responsibilities during a critical juncture.

The Congress is already battling internal dissent and leadership ambiguity, and Tharoor’s actions are likely to further exacerbate tensions. His absence from the debate may weaken the Opposition’s voice, especially on foreign policy and national security matters where he brings considerable experience and credibility.

What Lies Ahead for Tharoor?

Shashi Tharoor has often projected himself as a thinking politician, willing to challenge narratives within and outside his party. But in doing so, he risks further alienation from the Congress core. While he continues to maintain that differences with party leadership should be resolved privately, public perception is swiftly evolving.

Tharoor’s recent columns, speeches, and political choices suggest a subtle repositioning of his political identity — one that doesn’t always align with Congress orthodoxy. Whether this signals a larger ideological shift or just an assertion of independence, only time will tell.

For now, his absence from one of Parliament’s most crucial debates of the year is being viewed as a missed opportunity — both for himself and his party.

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