The Monsoon session of Parliament in 2025 has stirred controversy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting that the Congress party has silenced senior leaders Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari. This accusation stems from their absence from the list of speakers for the debate on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Operation Sindoor and its Aftermath

Operation Sindoor, a military action against Pakistan, has been a focal point of discussions during the Monsoon session. Following the operation, the Indian government initiated a global outreach program to convey its stance on terrorism. Both Tharoor and Tewari were part of multi-party delegations sent to various countries to build international consensus.

The Alleged Silencing

Prime Minister Modi, in his address to the Lok Sabha, remarked that members of all-party delegations had successfully sensitized the international community to Pakistan's use of terrorism against India and the necessity of Operation Sindoor. However, he noted that "it seems some of them have been prevented from speaking". Modi implied that these Congress members were facing pressure from within their party, cautioning them against succumbing to pressure from "one family to give a clean chit to Pakistan". This statement was widely interpreted as a reference to Tharoor and Tewari, who had previously defied the Congress party line by participating in the government's global outreach.

Evidence of Internal Conflict

The absence of Tharoor and Tewari from the speakers' list, despite their expertise on international affairs and prior involvement in Operation Sindoor-related outreach, has fueled speculation about internal divisions within the Congress party. Further adding to this speculation, Tewari posted a cryptic message on social media, quoting patriotic lyrics and hinting at unspoken truths. When questioned, Tewari stated, "If you don't understand my silences, you will never understand my words". Tharoor, when approached by the media, declined to comment, stating he was on "maun vrat" (vow of silence). Sources indicated that Tharoor was offered the opportunity to speak at a late stage but turned it down.

Kamal Nath's Perspective

Adding another layer to the controversy, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath stated that excluding Tharoor and Tewari from the debate was "the right decision". While most Congress leaders have remained silent or evaded the question, Nath's statement suggests a deliberate move by the party to exclude them.

Tharoor's Stance

According to sources within the Congress party, Tharoor had opted out of the Operation Sindoor debate, expressing his desire to speak on The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 instead. These sources also indicated that Tharoor's views on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack differed from the party's official position. BJP MP Anurag Thakur commented that Tharoor and Tewari were not being allowed to speak by what he termed "Rahul-occupied Congress".

The Implications

The alleged silencing of Tharoor and Tewari has raised questions about the Congress party's internal dynamics and its stance on national security issues. It has also provided ammunition for the ruling BJP to attack the opposition, accusing them of prioritizing internal politics over national interests. The controversy highlights the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining a unified front on critical issues, particularly when dealing with sensitive matters of national security.