Political tensions flared Tuesday following remarks by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan regarding Operation Sindoor. Chavan alleged that India experienced a “complete defeat” on the operation’s first day, sparking a swift rebuke from the BJP.
Chavan’s Claims
Speaking in Pune, Chavan stated that India suffered setbacks during the initial phase of Operation Sindoor. He specifically claimed that during a half-hour aerial engagement on May 7th, Indian aircraft were shot down and the Air Force was “completely grounded.” According to Chavan, any aircraft attempting takeoff from Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa faced a “high probability” of being downed by Pakistan.
Chavan further asserted that Operation Sindoor consisted solely of aerial and missile warfare, with no ground troop movement. He questioned the necessity of maintaining a 12 lakh-strong army, suggesting alternative roles for personnel given the evolving nature of warfare.
BJP Response
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly criticized Chavan’s statements, accusing the Congress party of consistently disrespecting the Indian Armed Forces and undermining national security. Poonawalla labeled Chavan’s remarks as “shocking” and directly targeting the Air Force and armed forces.
Poonawalla further alleged a pattern of the Congress party questioning military actions, citing past instances including skepticism surrounding operations like Surgical Strike, Balakote, and Op Mahadev.
Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prithviraj Chavan claim about Operation Sindoor?
Prithviraj Chavan claimed that India was “completely defeated” on the first day of Operation Sindoor, with Indian aircraft being shot down and the Air Force grounded due to the threat from Pakistan.
How did the BJP respond to Chavan’s remarks?
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress party of disrespecting the Indian Armed Forces and undermining national security, calling Chavan’s statements “shocking.”
What was the stated purpose of Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7th in retaliation for the April 22nd terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Given the differing accounts and political reactions surrounding Operation Sindoor, how might public discourse shape future debates about military strategy and resource allocation?
