Manish Tewari’s Silence on Operation Sindoor: A Song, A Statement, and a Political Signal

Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari shook up Indian politics. He chose to remain silent during the crucial Operation Sindoor debate in Parliament. Many thought Manish Tewari would be important in the discussion. He is a skilled speaker and an expert in foreign affairs. He had represented India abroad right after the Pahalgam terror attack. But he remained silent, drawing attention to his lack of response. His reason? Hinted at in a song.

A Political Song with a Deeper Meaning

On July 29, 2025, Manish Tewari posted on X (formerly Twitter). His message was full of deep emotions. He used lyrics from the song “Bharat Ka Rehne Wala Hoon, Bharat Ki Baat Sunata Hoon” in the film Purab Aur Paschim. These lines weren’t chosen at random. They express a strong patriotic message. They say that one speaks for the nation first.

The implication was clear. The Congress party didn’t select Manish Tewari for the debate. He showed his loyalty to the country through his actions, even without speaking in Parliament.

This wasn’t a poetic gesture—it was a calculated political message. Manish Tewari used this song to show he cares more about the nation than party strategy. It seems that the silence imposed by his party couldn’t contain his patriotism.

Internal Dissent? Or Political Calculus?

Congress leaders say that Manish Tewari wants to join the Operation Sindoor debate. He emailed Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition. He offered to share his insights and ideas. This was especially true because he participated in diplomatic outreach after the operation.

Congress chose a different lineup this time. They left out Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor. Both had praised India’s military and diplomatic efforts during their trips abroad. The Congress speakers in Parliament took a confrontational tone. They questioned the government’s conduct in Operation Sindoor.

The party leaders may have worried that Manish Tewari wouldn’t stick to the party line. He takes a balanced and fact-based approach to national security at all times. He avoids showing strong bias. This may have clashed with the message Congress wanted to share in the debate.

“If You Don’t Understand My Silence…”

When the media asked Manish Tewari in Parliament why he missed the debate, he replied, “If you don’t get my silence, you won’t understand my words.”

This statement underscores the emotional and intellectual depth of the moment. It’s not a snub. It’s a protest—quiet but pointed. And it showcases Manish Tewari’s ability to make headlines without saying much at all.

His silence, in fact, spoke volumes. Political observers saw it as a criticism of the party’s inner workings. They noticed it was hesitant to back independent or diverse views, especially on national security.

Shashi Tharoor and the Parallel Silence

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP known for his speaking skills, also didn’t join the debate. But, in Tharoor’s case, he made a public admission that he had declined the party’s request to speak. He believed that praising Operation Sindoor in international talks would make it tough to criticize in the House.

This made Manish Tewari’s silence all the more stark. Tharoor stayed quiet, but the organizers would not let Manish Tewari speak. It showed a split in Congress’s strategy. There is discomfort with letting nuanced, non-partisan views emerge in Parliament.

Manish Tewari’s track record

Manish Tewari is often recognized for his thoughts on national security and foreign policy. Manish Tewari, a former Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, shares balanced views. He offers informed insights. He stays well-researched, even when his opinions differ from the Congress party’s main stance.

His 2021 book, “10 Flashpoints: 20 Years – National Security Situations that Affected India,” examines India’s security decisions. It also questions the UPA government’s actions during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. That book drew considerable attention—and criticism from within his own party.

In essence, Manish Tewari has never been a yes-man. His independent thinking is impressive, but it sometimes causes problems for his party.

Social Media Reactions and Public Sympathy

Manish Tewari’s post resonated on social media. Users praised him for his quiet protest, calling him a “true patriot.” They said he puts national interest above political drama. People saw the quote, the song, and the quiet stance as graceful ways to show disapproval. They wanted to avoid open rebellion.

Many Congress supporters feel upset that voices like Manish Tewari aren’t used better. Political analysts say that ignoring these leaders sends a bad message to voters. They want informed and balanced representation.

Conclusion: A Silenced Voice Still Heard

In a noisy political scene, Manish Tewari showed the strength of quiet dignity. His absence from the Operation Sindoor debate was a missed chance for Congress. It also showed the party’s struggles with its image, beliefs, and unity.

India has tough challenges both at its borders and inside the country. Voices like Manish Tewari’s—experienced, clear, and patriotic—are crucial now. We will see whether the Congress Party will recognize and uplift such voices.

But one thing is clear: even when others silence him, Manish Tewari manages to be heard.