Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has firmly refused to issue an apology for his contentious remarks concerning the Indian military's Operation Sindoor. The statement, which questioned the performance of the armed forces during the operation, has ignited a fierce political storm, drawing sharp condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Chavan Stands Firm, Cites Constitutional Right
When pressed by media to apologise for his comments, Prithviraj Chavan remained defiant. "Why will I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions," he asserted. Chavan had earlier made claims about the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, stating that India faced defeat on the first day of the conflict.
Elaborating on his stance, the Congress leader said, "On the first day of Operation Sindoor, we were completely defeated. In the half-hour aerial engagement that took place on the 7th, we were fully defeated, whether people accept it or not. Indian aircraft were shot down. The Air Force was completely grounded." He further questioned the scale of the Indian Army, suggesting future wars would be aerial and missile-based, thereby reducing the need for a large ground force.
BJP Launches Scathing Attack, Labels Congress 'Pro-Pakistani'
The BJP reacted swiftly and strongly to Chavan's comments. Party MP Brij Lal condemned the statement on Wednesday, alleging a pattern of behaviour from the opposition party. "I strongly condemn this statement. The Congress party has always been pro-Pakistani. This Congress party has always humiliated the country," Lal told ANI.
He further targeted Congress leadership, adding, "Their leader, Rahul Gandhi, whenever he goes abroad, insults India... The whole country is watching, and the public will teach Congress a lesson." The criticism was echoed by the BJP's national spokesperson, CR Kesavan, who used even harsher language.
Kesavan likened Chavan's remarks to propaganda from across the border, stating, "Prithviraj Chavan has ranted like a third-grade Pakistani spokesperson, deliberately maligning our armed forces." He demanded immediate action from the Congress leadership against Chavan and called for a public apology.
Background of Operation Sindoor and Political Fallout
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7 as a direct response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Pakistan's retaliation led to a military conflict that lasted from May 7 to May 10. The Indian government had stated that during the operation, over 100 terrorists were neutralised in just 23 minutes using advanced weaponry including Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs.
The current controversy underscores the deep political divisions in India regarding national security discourse. The BJP's accusation of an "anti-army mindset" within the Congress and its demand for accountability sets the stage for a prolonged political battle, with patriotism and the right to question the establishment at its core.
