Prithviraj Chavan refuses to apologise for ‘India completely defeated in Operation Sindoor’ remark
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has refused to apologise for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, insisting his comments fall within his constitutional right to question military actions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Chavan’s statement, made in Pune, claimed that India was “completely defeated” on the first day of the four day military operation and said that Indian aircraft were shot down and the Air Force grounded during early aerial engagement.
According to reports, Chavan defended his position, saying he had “nothing to apologise for” and reiterated that discussions on national security and military conduct are part of democratic discourse.
A day earlier Chavan said, “In fact, the first day we were completely defeated. In the half hour of the aerial engagement that took place on the 7th, we were completely defeated”. “Whether people accept it or not, Indian aircraft were shot down. In fact the air force was completely grounded and not a single aircraft flew.”
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the ruling BJP, which accused him of undermining the armed forces and insulting national security efforts. BJP leaders demanded an apology, calling Chavan’s comments “unacceptable” and harmful to the morale of the military.
Observers noted that the political row reflects deepening tensions between the Congress and the BJP over sensitive defence matters, with the latter staunchly defending Operation Sindoor as a justified.
