Tharoor Affirms Stance on Operation Sindoor Amid Party Speculations

Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor reiterated his unwavering support for “Operation Sindoor” during a recent address at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode on January 24, 2024. Tharoor firmly rejected any claims suggesting he acted against the party line in Parliament, emphasizing that he had no regrets about his principled stand.

Throughout his parliamentary career, Tharoor stated he has consistently aligned with the official position of the Congress Party, except for this specific issue, which he described as a question of national security rather than party politics. His comments come in the wake of speculation regarding potential rifts with the party leadership, particularly following his absence from a significant Congress meeting in Delhi.

Tharoor underscored the necessity of addressing national security matters with clarity and responsibility. He referred to a column he penned after the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that such acts should not go unpunished. He argued that India has the right to respond decisively but cautioned against becoming embroiled in a prolonged conflict with Pakistan. Emphasizing the importance of national interest, he advocated for limited and targeted military actions against terror camps rather than extensive military entanglements.

His remarks also highlighted that the government later adopted a similar strategy, reinforcing the validity of his original argument. Quoting India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tharoor posed the rhetorical question, “If India dies, who will live?” He stressed that when national security and India’s international standing are at stake, the country’s interests must always come first.

While addressing the media, Tharoor chose not to comment on the controversies surrounding his absence from the Delhi meeting. He clarified that the literary festival was not a venue for political discourse and that any concerns regarding party matters should be addressed directly with the leadership in appropriate settings.

Acknowledging the media speculation about his absence, Tharoor indicated that some reports might hold truth while others do not. He firmly stated that he had informed the party leadership in advance of his absence and would refrain from providing public explanations, thus maintaining a clear boundary between internal party discussions and public statements.

Through these comments, Tharoor aims to reinforce his commitment to national security while navigating the complexities of party politics. His principled stance continues to resonate amid ongoing debates within the Congress Party regarding its direction and leadership cohesion.