NEW DELHI: A fresh political controversy has erupted in India after senior opposition leaders and military officials publicly acknowledged setbacks during Operation Sindoor, with Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan openly describing the episode as a decisive defeat that the Modi government failed to conceal.
Former Maharashtra chief minister Chavan remained defiant after facing intense criticism from the BJP-led NDA over his comments on Operation Sindoor.
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Chavan said that on May 7, India suffered a complete defeat within half an hour of aerial combat, asserting that Indian aircraft were shot down and the Indian Air Force was fully grounded due to fear of further losses.
Claims of grounded air force
Chavan stated that if Indian aircraft had taken off from bases such as Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa, there was a high risk of them being shot down by Pakistan.
“Whether people accept it or not, this is a fact,” he said, adding that Indian planes were destroyed and further sorties were halted to prevent additional losses.
BJP backlash, Congress leader refuses apology
As the controversy escalated, BJP leaders and allies demanded an apology, accusing Chavan of undermining national security.
Chavan rejected the demand, saying, “I haven’t said anything wrong and there is no question of apologising. The Constitution gives me the right to question.” He added that he would speak in greater detail at an appropriate time.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has also spoken about India’s failure in Operation Sindoor, reinforcing claims that the operation did not achieve its stated objectives.
A Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member said the operation’s beginning and abrupt halt remain “shrouded in suspense,” arguing that Indian forces were advancing before being stopped after a ceasefire call by US President Donald Trump.
Military leadership acknowledges losses
Senior Indian military officials have also made remarks acknowledging setbacks. On May 11, Air Marshal A.K., the Indian Director General of Air Operations, admitted that “there are losses in war.”
Later, on May 31, Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated, “It is not important how many planes are shot down; it is important why they are shot down,” a comment widely interpreted as confirmation of aircraft losses.
Indian military leadership has repeatedly acknowledged damage to Indian aircraft during operations in Sindoor, along with heavy losses, according to opposition and political commentators.
These admissions have further weakened the government’s claim of operational success.
International reactions, Trump’s statements
World media outlets and international leaders have also challenged India’s official narrative. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Pakistan shot down Indian aircraft, adding global weight to the controversy.
Opposition figures argue that despite media propaganda and fabricated stories, the Modi government has been unable to hide what they describe as a “historical failure.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called Chavan’s remarks “very unfortunate,” while opposition voices insist that questioning military outcomes is a democratic right.
As debate intensifies, critics say a “defeated Modi” will ultimately have to acknowledge what they describe as a complete retreat and a deeply damaging episode for India’s military and political leadership.
