In a surprising development ahead of Parliament&rsquo;s high stakes discussion on&nbsp;Operation Sindoor, senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has declined to participate in the debate, despite being considered one of the party&rsquo;s most prominent orators on foreign affairs.
Tharoor was approached to be part of the Congress delegation speaking on the operation, India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, but he chose not to participate. While no official reason has been given, the decision has raised eyebrows given his recent role leading diplomatic outreach to the United States after the operation.
The Lok Sabha is currently holding a 16&nbsp;hour special debate on the matter, which includes cross-border military action into Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, 'Sindoor', has sparked widespread debate across political and diplomatic circles.
The Congress has instead fielded a robust lineup including Rahul Gandhi, Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Shafi Parambil, and Manickam Tagore, among others. The party has issued a three line whip, ensuring full attendance of its MPs, signaling the political gravity of the discussion.
On the government side, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead the charge, backed by Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who will provide the government&rsquo;s version of events and strategic justifications for the strike.
Meanwhile, opposition voices such as Akhilesh Yadav and Mallikarjun Kharge are expected to challenge the government&rsquo;s narrative, seeking transparency and clarity on the operation&rsquo;s long term implications, military risks, and regional diplomacy.
Adding a global layer to the debate, the Opposition is also pressing the government to respond to recent remarks by&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, who claimed to have played a role in facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim New Delhi has yet to officially acknowledge.
With frequent disruptions and adjournments marking the Monsoon Session so far, today&rsquo;s debate is expected to be one of the most closely watched events in this Parliamentary calendar.

Tharoor Opts Out of Operation Sindoor Debate

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declines to speak in key Lok Sabha debate on national security

Tharoor Opts Out of Operation Sindoor Debate

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declines to speak in key Lok Sabha debate on national security

July 28, 2025 | 20:02 IST