Prithviraj Chavan Sparks Political Row Over ‘India Defeated on Day One of Operation Sindoor’ Remark

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has triggered a major political controversy after claiming that India was “completely defeated” on the first day of Operation Sindoor, the military response launched after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Speaking in Pune, Chavan stood by his remarks and refused to issue an apology, asserting that he had “not said anything wrong” and was merely stating facts as he understood them.

Contentious remarks on air operations

Chavan claimed that Indian aircraft were shot down during the initial phase of the operation and alleged that the Indian Air Force was forced to halt aerial activity due to the threat posed by Pakistan.

“On the first day of Operation Sindoor, we were completely defeated. In the half-hour aerial engagement on May 7, India was fully defeated, whether people accept it or not. Indian aircraft were shot down. The Air Force was completely grounded, and not a single aircraft flew,” he said.

He further alleged that air bases in Gwalior, Bathinda and Sirsa were unable to operate aircraft, claiming there was a high risk of Indian jets being shot down if they took off.

Political backlash intensifies

The comments sparked immediate outrage, with several political leaders accusing Chavan of undermining the armed forces and echoing adversarial narratives. Critics argued that such statements damage national morale and disrespect the sacrifices made by the military.

While the Congress leadership has not officially endorsed Chavan’s remarks, the controversy has intensified political debate around national security and the handling of counter-terror operations.

Operation Sindoor background

Operation Sindoor was launched by India following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. The operation involved targeted military action aimed at neutralising terror infrastructure across the border.

The government has consistently maintained that the operation achieved its strategic objectives, rejecting claims of operational failure.

As the debate continues, Chavan’s remarks have added fuel to an already charged political atmosphere, with national security emerging as a key flashpoint.