Shashi Tharoor opts out of 'Operation Sindoor' debate in LS: Congress sources

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, one of the party’s most articulate voices in Parliament, will not participate in the much-anticipated debate on 'Operation Sindoor' scheduled for discussion on Monday, according to Congress sources. The Thiruvananthapuram MP refused to comment on the matter when approached by the media outside Parliament.

“Maun vrut,” the Congress MP said to the media, ignoring their questions.

He has reportedly taken this stance amid internal criticism over his praise of Prime Minister Modi. It is rumoured that the party has imposed an unofficial ban on him from participating in its functions due to his remarks lauding the Modi government. A few days ago, K Muraleedharan, a senior party leader in Kerala, told the media that Tharoor was no longer seen as “one of us,” hinting at possible disciplinary action.

The Lok Sabha is expected to engage in a 16-hour marathon discussion on 'Operation Sindoor,' India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, both Houses were adjourned until noon on Monday following protests by the Opposition.

Tharoor’s absence from the speakers’ list has drawn considerable attention, particularly given his prominent role in leading a diplomatic outreach delegation to the United States following the operation. Sources within the Congress revealed that Tharoor was invited to participate but declined for unspecified reasons, reported IANS.

The Congress lineup for the debate includes Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Deputy LoP Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Parineeti Shinde, Shafi Parambil, Manickam Tagore, and Raja Barad.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to open the debate, outlining the strategic objectives and outcomes of 'Operation Sindoor.'

He will be joined by Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who will present the government’s account of the Pahalgam attack and India’s retaliatory military strategy.

BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey are also slated to speak, reinforcing the ruling party’s narrative and emphasizing national security priorities.

In response, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other Opposition members, are preparing to challenge the government’s version of events, demanding greater transparency, accountability, and clarity on the operation’s long-term impact.

The Congress has issued a strict three-day whip to ensure full attendance by its MPs, underlining the importance the party places on this high-stakes debate.

Since the Monsoon Session began on July 21, Parliament has witnessed repeated adjournments over the Opposition’s demand for urgent discussions on key national issues — including the Pahalgam attack and the Election Commission's ongoing SIR exercise in Bihar.

Adding to the political pressure, the Opposition is also demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi respond to comments made by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed to have facilitated a "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of 'Operation Sindoor.'