NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor‘s silence is making more noise than words. The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, who led a delegation under India’s diplomatic outreach after Pahalgam terror attack, has declined party’s offer to participate in the Parliament debate on Operation Sindoor, PTI reported quoting sources.According to senior Congress leaders, Tharoor was approached by Gaurav Gogoi and K Suresh to speak during the crucial debate. “It is a practise that senior leaders are asked whether they are interested in speaking on a major issue,” a senior Congress functionary told PTI. “Gaurav Gogoi and K Suresh had reached out to him and asked if he was interested in speaking during the debate on Operation Sindoor, to which he said he is not interested and would like to speak on the ports bill.“Instead of the national security discussion, Tharoor chose to speak on The Indian Ports Bill, 2025. His decision follows days of speculation, especially after his strong endorsement of the central government’s handling of Operation Sindoor.His outspoken endorsement of the Centre’s action post-Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor has deepened the rift with party leadership, casting uncertainty on his role in the discussion.Tharoor had led a diplomatic mission to the United States and countries across the Americas to rally support for India after its crossborder strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. But his praise for the government’s actions appeared out of sync with the Congress party’s official line, which has focused on alleged intelligence failures and the international fallout — including US President Donald Trump’s controversial claims of mediating peace between India and Pakistan.Asked directly whether he would speak in Parliament on Operation Sindoor, Tharoor had responded cryptically to reporters outside Parliament building, saying: “Maun vrat, maun vrat.”
