'Didn't violate Congress line...': Shashi Tharoor on 'Operation Sindoor' stand
What's the story
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has defended his position on "Operation Sindoor," saying he never violated any party line in Parliament. According to PTI, Tharoor was speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode when he said that he remains "unapologetic" about his stance on the operation. He referred to an article he wrote for The Indian Express after the Pahalgam terror attack titled After Pahalgam, India must hit back smart, not just hard.
Response strategy
Tharoor's stance on India's response to terrorism
In his article, Tharoor advocated for a "kinetic response" to the Pahalgam attack but cautioned against escalating into a full-blown war with Pakistan. He emphasized targeting terrorist elements only and not Pakistan as a nation. "We are not attacking Pakistan. It's Pakistan's inability and unwillingness to curb terrorism that has obliged us to do this," he wrote.
Diplomatic mission
Tharoor's role in defending government's stance
Despite facing criticism from within his party, Tharoor led an all-party delegation to several countries to explain India's position on Operation Sindoor. The delegation visited the United States, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. Tharoor stressed that political parties are important, but India's interests come first when national security is at stake.
Political reaction
BJP spokesperson praises Tharoor's national interest stance
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson CR Kesavan reacted to Tharoor's comments at the literature festival, criticizing Congress for not accepting Tharoor's prioritization of national interest over party loyalty. Kesavan wrote on X, "Does INC now stand for Insecure Narcissistic Congress? The deep rooted insecurity of Congress first family seems to be the motive for targeting Shri Shashi Tharoor."
Twitter Post
BJP spokesperson's reaction to Tharoor's stance
Does INC now stand for Insecure Narcissistic Congress ? The deep rooted insecurity of Congress first family seems to be the motive for targeting Shri. Shashi Tharoor. The Congress cannot tolerate that fact that Mr. Tharoor chose to place nation’s interest ahead of Congress… pic.twitter.com/SKyUhO6WqV
— C.R.Kesavan (@crkesavan) January 24, 2026
Opposition stance
Rahul Gandhi criticizes Centre's handling of Operation Sindoor
While Tharoor defended his position, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had consistently criticized the Centre's handling of "Operation Sindoor," which was India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The operation was launched on May 7, 2025, and was marked by hostilities between the two neighbors for four days before a ceasefire was agreed between the Director Generals of Military Operations of both sides.