Congress Leader Stands Firm on Controversial Remarks About Operation Sindoor

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has sparked controversy with his remarks about India's performance during Operation Sindoor, claiming a defeat on the first day. Despite backlash from the BJP, he refuses to apologize, citing his constitutional right to question military actions. The four-day conflict saw significant tensions between India and Pakistan, with claims of aircraft losses on both sides. Chavan's statements have reignited debates about military strategy and the role of the armed forces in modern warfare. This article delves into the details of the conflict and the political ramifications of Chavan's comments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 14:23 IST

Chavan's Defiant Stance

On Wednesday, Congress politician Prithviraj Chavan declined to retract his statement suggesting that India was “completely defeated” on the initial day of Operation Sindoor in May.

The controversy ignited after Chavan asserted that Indian aircraft were “shot down” during a brief aerial engagement on May 7.

He claimed that if any aircraft had launched from Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa, they faced a significant risk of being downed by Pakistan, leading to the Indian Air Force being fully grounded.

The basis for Chavan's assertions remains unclear.

Additionally, he remarked that there was “not even a one-km movement” of the Army throughout the four-day military engagement.

“What transpired over two or three days was solely aerial combat and missile warfare,” he stated. “Future conflicts will likely follow this pattern.”

Chavan questioned the necessity of maintaining an Army of 1.2 million soldiers, suggesting alternative roles for them.

The Bharatiya Janata Party condemned Chavan's remarks, accusing the Congress of harboring disdain for the Indian armed forces.

Union minister Giriraj Singh emphasized that “no one has the right to belittle” the bravery of the armed forces, asserting that those who do cannot prioritize the nation's interests.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked on social media that “insulting the Army has become synonymous with Congress.”

In response to the backlash, Chavan reiterated his refusal to apologize, citing his constitutional right to question.

“Why should I apologize?” he questioned. “It’s out of the question.”

Overview of the Four-Day Conflict

The tensions between India and Pakistan intensified on May 7 when the Indian military executed strikes, known as Operation Sindoor, targeting what it identified as terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This military action was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities on April 22.

By May 10, both nations reached an agreement to cease hostilities.

Pakistan has claimed to have downed Indian fighter jets during the aerial confrontations, although these assertions have not been independently verified.

India has acknowledged experiencing aircraft losses in the early stages of the conflict but has not specified the number of planes lost.

On October 3, the Indian Air Force chief stated that Pakistan's claims of shooting down Indian jets were likely aimed at preserving their domestic reputation.

Furthermore, the Indian Air Force reported that it had downed five Pakistani aircraft during the conflict.

In August, the Indian Air Force Chief mentioned that a significant Pakistani aircraft, possibly an electronic intelligence or airborne early warning system plane, was also shot down.

This followed the Indian military's assertion on May 12, shortly after the ceasefire, that the Pakistan Air Force had lost “a few” aircraft.

While Pakistan has not confirmed any aircraft losses, it has acknowledged that several of its airbases were targeted by India during the conflict.