In a significant development that has sparked political chatter, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has reportedly turned down a request from the party’s top leadership to participate in the ongoing Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, citing disagreement with the party’s stance on the issue.

According to India TV sources, the Congress leadership approached Tharoor to represent the party in the debate and deliver a critical assessment of the government’s high-profile counterterrorism operation. However, the Thiruvananthapuram MP is said to have declined the invitation, making it clear that he would not speak against Operation Sindoor, which he considers a success.

Party insiders claim that Tharoor communicated his unchanged position on the operation and conveyed that if he were to speak in the House, he would “only reiterate” his positive views on the mission. Given this, and the party’s expectation that he criticise the government's handling, Tharoor reportedly decided to opt out of the debate altogether.

Sources further revealed that when contacted by the office of the Leader or Deputy Leader of Opposition for a potential floor intervention, Tharoor remained firm. He reportedly said he would not deviate from his consistent public position on the matter.