KKN Gurugram Desk | Amid growing debates within the Congress party regarding participation in the Centre-led diplomatic campaign ‘Operation Sindoor’, senior leaders Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor have signaled that national interest must take precedence over political discomfort.

While Congress has maintained a cautious distance from the government’s foreign outreach plan post-Operation Sindoor, these two influential voices within the party have openly appealed for unity on national security issues, urging their party to rise above internal divisions and political calculations.

?? Operation Sindoor: The Backdrop

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor — a swift and targeted counter-offensive against militant infrastructure across the border. To build global consensus and counter Pakistan’s propaganda, the Centre has constituted an all-party foreign delegation, dubbed informally as “Team India,” to visit 32 countries and brief global stakeholders.

While names like Shashi Tharoor (Congress) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) were included, reports suggest that Congress’s official stance on participation remains ambivalent, despite individual members accepting the invitation.

 Manish Tewari’s Subtle Yet Strong Message

Manish Tewari, senior Congress MP and former Union Minister, posted a patriotic song from the 1975 film ‘Aakraman’, sung by Kishore Kumar:

“Dekho veer jawano apne khoon pe yeh ilzaam na aaye, Maa na kahe ke mere bete waqt padā to kaam na aaye…”

While the post may appear symbolic, political observers see it as a deliberate nudge to Congress’s leadership, reminding them that when the nation calls, political hesitations should be set aside.

Tewari’s tweet was interpreted as a cultural and emotional appeal, mirroring the sentiment expressed earlier by Shashi Tharoor.

 Tharoor Also Called for Unity Beyond Party Lines

Earlier, Shashi Tharoor, who was among those selected by the Centre for the foreign delegation, urged political leaders to unite in the face of national challenges. He stated:

“When it comes to representing India globally, our internal differences should not get in the way of a common voice. We must show unity when national security is at stake.”

This view was perceived as diverging from the party’s cautious stance — highlighting a growing divide within the Congress on how to approach bipartisan national issues.

 What Is the Congress Party’s Official Position?

So far, the Congress party has not made a clear statement endorsing or opposing participation in Operation Sindoor’s global outreach initiative. However, internal sources suggest unease over sharing international platforms with BJP leaders, especially when it could be seen as endorsing the ruling party’s foreign policy.

Tewari and Tharoor’s stance puts pressure on the Congress to clarify its role in matters where national interest intersects with political optics.

 Symbolism vs Silence: Tewari’s Political Messaging

Tewari’s use of a patriotic song — rather than a direct political statement — is seen as a clever move to stir conscience within his party without direct confrontation. The lyrics emphasize duty, sacrifice, and honor, alluding to the larger narrative that national duty transcends party lines.

“This is not just a song. It’s a statement,” commented political analyst Rajdeep Menon. “It speaks to the Congress’s soul — asking whether the party will stand with the country when it matters most.”

 Internal Dissent in Congress: Not the First Time

Both Tewari and Tharoor are part of the Congress’s moderate reformist wing, known for speaking against party orthodoxy. In the past, both have called for:

• Internal democracy in party leadership

• Constructive engagement with central government on national issues

• A more assertive foreign policy stance

Their current intervention on Operation Sindoor reflects the same ethos — support the nation, even if it means standing alone.

 Operation Sindoor and Global Diplomacy: What’s at Stake?

The government’s foreign delegation aims to:

• Expose Pakistan’s terror links on global platforms

• Counter narratives of human rights violations

• Showcase India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism

• Foster international support for India’s defense measures

Countries targeted in the outreach include United States, UK, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, along with EU institutions in Brussels.

Reactions Across Political Spectrum

• BJP: Lauded Tewari and Tharoor’s patriotism, urging other opposition leaders to follow suit.

• TMC: Declined to participate, citing foreign policy as Centre’s domain.

• Congress (Officially): Maintained silence, fueling speculation about internal discord.

• Citizens & Veterans: Expressed support for leaders who put “India First” before party affiliations.

 Will Congress Join or Stand Aside?

With visible pressure from within, Congress now faces a strategic decision:

• Join the mission fully and show national unity

• Allow individual leaders to participate, maintaining plausible deniability

• Withdraw altogether, but risk being painted as indifferent to national security

Tewari and Tharoor’s actions make it harder for the party to remain neutral without facing public and internal backlash.

The appeal by Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor is more than just a tweet or a soundbite — it is a call for political maturity, one that challenges Congress to redefine its role as a responsible opposition in times of national importance.

Whether the party heeds this call or continues to walk the tightrope between political calculation and national interest, will shape not only its perception but its place in India’s democratic future.