‘Maun vrat’: Tharoor skips Op Sindoor questions

New Delhi

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor chose to remain silent on Monday when asked about his participation in the Lok Sabha discussion on Operation Sindoor. Repeating the phrase maun vrat (vow of silence), he declined to answer reporters’ questions, sparking curiosity over his position.

Party sources revealed that Tharoor had been approached by the Leader of Opposition’s office and the Congress deputy leader to speak in the debate. However, he reportedly refused, stating he could not support the party’s critical view of the operation. Tharoor maintained that Operation Sindoor was a success and said he would only speak in line with his earlier public statements.

When told that any remarks would need to align with the party's stance, Tharoor chose not to participate, calling it a matter of principle. His name was not included in the party’s final list of speakers.

According to the Congress, Gaurav Gogoi will begin the discussion, followed by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deependra Hooda, Praneeti Shinde, Saptagiri Ulaka, and Bijendra Ola. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to speak on Tuesday.

Tharoor’s absence highlights ongoing tensions with party leadership. Previously, he led a government delegation abroad on the India-Pakistan conflict and publicly supported the government's response—a move that clashed with the Congress’s position and caused friction within the party.

The Operation Sindoor discussion follows a 16-hour debate agreement between the Opposition and the government, focusing on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the Centre’s response.