Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declined to speak during the parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, opting instead to focus on ‘The Indian Ports Bill, 2025,’ party sources revealed on Monday. Amid speculation about his strained ties with the Congress due to his vocal support for the government’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Tharoor was approached by senior leaders Gaurav Gogoi and K Suresh. They inquired if he wished to participate in the high-stakes debate, but Tharoor expressed disinterest, preferring to address the ports bill.

A senior Congress functionary told PTI, “As is customary, we asked senior leaders about their interest in speaking on major issues. Tharoor was clear he wasn’t interested in Operation Sindoor and wanted to focus on the ports bill.” Tharoor, who led delegations to the US and other nations, remained silent on the matter, having previously told media he was on a “maun vrat” (vow of silence) regarding the debate.

The Monsoon session, marked by disruptions, is set for a heated debate on the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, and Operation Sindoor, launched in response. The BJP-led NDA and opposition are gearing up, with the latter criticizing alleged intelligence failures and citing US President Donald Trump’s mediation claims, which the government has dismissed. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly targeted the government’s foreign policy, alleging a lack of international support for Operation Sindoor.

The debate, starting Monday afternoon, will see top leaders from both sides in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

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