Parliament Braces for Heated ‘Operation Sindoor’ Debate; Tharoor Expected to Stay Silent

Parliament to Debate Pahalgam Attack, Operation Sindoor Today; Shashi Tharoor Unlikely to Speak.

After a week of repeated disruptions, Parliament will on Monday begin a crucial debate on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the government’s subsequent military response, dubbed Operation Sindoor. The debate will be held during the ongoing Monsoon Session, with both the government and opposition expected to field their top leaders.

Among the key questions ahead of the session is whether Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will participate in the discussion. According to party sources, Tharoor has not submitted a request to the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) office to speak, making his participation unlikely.

“Shashi Tharoor is unlikely to speak on Operation Sindoor. MPs wishing to speak are required to inform the CPP office, and Tharoor hasn’t done so,” a senior Congress source said.

Tharoor’s absence could trigger speculation, given recent friction between him and the party. His role in leading a government-sanctioned delegation abroad to explain India’s position on the conflict with Pakistan—despite the Congress’s official reservations—has raised eyebrows within party circles. Tharoor’s public endorsement of the government’s stance also drew internal criticism.

The government side is expected to be represented by senior ministers including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. While there’s no official confirmation yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may also participate in the debate.

On the opposition side, it remains unclear who will lead the charge if the Speaker allows them to open the discussion. While Rahul Gandhi is a key figure, he has previously deferred such roles, allowing leaders like Gaurav Gogoi to initiate key debates—such as during the 2023 no-confidence motion.

Both sides have agreed to a 16-hour debate in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha combined, focusing on the government’s handling of the April 22 terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Opposition parties are expected to question the government on alleged intelligence lapses and India’s diplomatic standing—especially following controversial remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed he had been asked to mediate between India and Pakistan. The Indian government has denied any such request was made.