Prithviraj Chavan Sparks Controversy Over Operation Sindoor
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan sparked a political row. He claimed that India faced complete defeat on the first day of Operation Sindoor. Chavan said Indian aircraft were shot down, and the Air Force remained grounded throughout. He refused to apologise, stating that questioning government or military decisions is his constitutional right. The remarks immediately triggered debates among politicians, defense analysts, and the general public. Chavan claimed that during the half-hour aerial engagement on May 7, India was defeated. He said aircraft from Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa could not fly safely due to Pakistani fire.
According to him, the Air Force was fully grounded, and no aircraft participated in combat. Chavan insisted that the defeat was real, whether people accepted it or not publicly. His comments questioned India’s aerial strategy and the execution of military operations in the region. Chavan questioned the necessity of maintaining an army of 12 lakh soldiers in modern conflicts. He noted that ground troops did not move even a single kilometre during Operation Sindoor. He argued that most of the operation relied on aerial and missile strikes only.
Also read: Dhanashree Verma Responds to Chahal’s Denial, Says She Caught Him Cheating Early On
Questions on Military Strategy and Preparedness
Chavan suggested that some military personnel could be repurposed during peacetime for other roles. His remarks sparked discussions on optimizing defense resources and modernizing armed forces effectively. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in a brutal attack on the village. India targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response. The operation primarily involved aerial and missile strikes to neutralize terrorist infrastructure.
Defense officials described it as a precise and strategic counterterrorism mission by the Indian forces. Chavan’s statement drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and defense experts across India. Supporters argued he raised valid concerns about strategy, efficiency, and resource utilization. Political commentators highlighted tensions between civilian oversight and public discussion of military actions. The controversy reignited debates on defense preparedness, modernization, and accountability of armed forces. Chavan’s refusal to apologise ensures his remarks remain a major topic in political discourse.
Also read: Sources: Mohsin Naqvi Presents Trophy to UAE Board as BCCI Considers Impeachment Action