Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has firmly declined to apologise for his controversial remarks on Operation Sindoor, reiterating that he stands by his statements and sees no reason for regret. Chavan had claimed that India suffered a setback on the first day of the military operation against Pakistan in May, a comment that has triggered sharp political reactions.
Speaking on Wednesday, Chavan said he had not made any incorrect statement and therefore would not issue an apology. He maintained that his remarks were being misrepresented for political purposes and added that he did not wish to elaborate further on the issue. His refusal to retract the comments has intensified the political debate, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) preparing to raise the matter aggressively in Parliament.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when Chavan, addressing an event in Pune, alleged that Indian military aircraft were shot down by Pakistani forces on the first day of Operation Sindoor. He further claimed that the Indian Air Force was “completely grounded” following the alleged losses. These remarks drew immediate criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress leader of undermining the armed forces.
Chavan reiterated his position the following day, prompting strong reactions from BJP leaders. Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal, a former senior police officer from Uttar Pradesh, condemned the statement, accusing the Congress of repeatedly humiliating the nation. He alleged that the party had consistently taken positions favourable to Pakistan and claimed that its leaders often made remarks abroad that tarnished India’s image. Brij Lal said the public was watching closely and would respond appropriately.
The Congress leadership, meanwhile, attempted to counter the criticism while distancing itself from the controversy. Senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari praised the Indian Army, describing it as a powerful and victorious force. However, he also used the opportunity to criticise the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, invoking the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership during earlier military engagements.
Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the operation, Indian forces carried out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure across the border, destroying multiple bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The action prompted a retaliatory response from Pakistan, which involved the launch of numerous armed drones and missiles towards Indian military installations and civilian areas.
According to official statements, India’s air defence systems successfully intercepted or neutralised most of the incoming threats, while the few projectiles that reached their targets caused minimal damage. Indian authorities have also stated that Pakistan suffered significant losses during the exchange, including the downing of multiple fighter aircraft. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said in October that at least four Pakistani jets, including F-16s and JF-17s, were destroyed during the conflict.
The Air Chief Marshal has categorically rejected claims that Indian aircraft, including newly inducted Rafale jets, were shot down during the operation. He dismissed such assertions as misinformation aimed at misleading the Pakistani public. Indian officials have also highlighted that precision strikes carried out during Operation Sindoor disabled key Pakistani military infrastructure, including radar installations, command and control centres, runways and hangars.
As political tensions continue to rise over Chavan’s remarks, the issue is expected to feature prominently in parliamentary debates, further sharpening the divide between the BJP and the Congress.
