'Maunvrat' quips Shashi Tharoor, evades Op Sindoor question ahead of discussion

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday chose silence over clarity as he evaded questions on the upcoming Operation Sindoor discussion in the Lok Sabha, responding only with "maunvrat" repeatedly (a vow of silence) when asked by reporters whether he would participate.

Tharoor's brief yet pointed reply came as he arrived at Parliament amid rising anticipation over the party's line during the discussion on Operation Sindoor. The Congress MP declined to offer any comment, simply invoking the term associated with voluntary silence, prompting speculation over his stance.

According to Congress sources, Tharoor is unlikely to speak during the debate. "Shashi Tharoor unlikely to speak on Operation Sindoor. The MPs, who want to speak on certain issues, have to send their requests to the CPP office, however, Shashi Tharoor hasn't done so far," a party insider said.

Tharoor's potential absence from the debate comes against the backdrop of his uneasy relationship with the party leadership in recent months.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP had earlier led a government-formed delegation abroad to speak on the India-Pakistan conflict, a move seen as going against the Congress line. His public support for the government's stance and the subsequent pause in hostilities had triggered friction with colleagues critical of the government's position.

- Ends