Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday strongly defended his stance on Operation Sindoor, stating that he has never deviated from the Congress party’s stated line in Parliament. Speaking at a session during the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Tharoor said his only public disagreement in principle was on the issue of national security, where he believes India’s interests must come first.

Tharoor’s remarks come amid growing speculation about differences between him and the Congress leadership. Recent reports have suggested that he may be dissatisfied over not being adequately acknowledged at a recent party event in Kochi, as well as alleged attempts by state leaders to sideline him within the organisation.

Addressing these perceptions, Tharoor explained that his views stemmed from his role as an observer and writer. He recalled authoring a newspaper column after the Pahalgam incident, in which he argued that the attack should not go unpunished and warranted a firm, kinetic response from India.

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However, he clarified that while India must act decisively against terrorism, it should also prioritise development and avoid being drawn into a prolonged conflict with Pakistan. According to Tharoor, any military response should be limited and focused strictly on targeting terrorist infrastructure and camps.

Tharoor noted that he was surprised to see the government adopt a course of action similar to what he had suggested. Quoting Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous line, “Who lives if India dies?”, he underscored the primacy of national security over partisan considerations.

Concluding his remarks, Tharoor said political disagreements are a natural part of democracy and nation-building. However, he emphasised that when India’s security, global standing, and core interests are at stake, political parties must rise above differences and stand united in putting the nation first.

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