Political Storm in India Over Operation Sindoor After Opposition, Military Remarks

NEW DELHI: A fresh political controversy has erupted in India following public remarks by senior opposition leaders and military officials acknowledging setbacks during Operation Sindoor, challenging the government’s narrative of success.

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan described the operation as a decisive failure, claiming the Modi government was unable to conceal the outcome. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Chavan alleged that India suffered a major defeat within half an hour of aerial combat on May 7, asserting that Indian aircraft were shot down and that the Indian Air Force halted further operations to avoid additional losses.

Chavan said aircraft operating from bases such as Gwalior, Bathinda and Sirsa faced a high risk of being intercepted, adding that further sorties were suspended due to fear of further losses. “Whether people accept it or not, this is a fact,” he said.

The remarks triggered a strong backlash from the BJP-led NDA, with party leaders demanding an apology and accusing Chavan of undermining national security. Chavan rejected the demands, saying he had exercised his constitutional right to question the government and insisting there was no reason to apologise.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has also raised questions about Operation Sindoor, saying it failed to achieve its stated objectives. A Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member described the operation’s sudden halt as “shrouded in suspense,” noting that Indian forces were advancing before a ceasefire announcement reportedly followed a call by US President Donald Trump.

Senior military officials have also made statements acknowledging losses. On May 11, Air Marshal A.K., India’s Director General of Air Operations, said that losses occur in war. Later, on May 31, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan remarked that the focus should be on why aircraft were lost rather than how many, comments widely interpreted as confirmation of damage to Indian aircraft.

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Opposition leaders argue that these statements weaken the government’s claims of operational success. International media reports and comments by US President Donald Trump, who stated that Pakistani forces shot down Indian aircraft, have added to the controversy.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called Chavan’s comments “unfortunate,” while opposition figures maintain that questioning military outcomes is a democratic right.

As the debate intensifies, critics say the government will eventually have to address what they describe as serious military and political shortcomings revealed by Operation Sindoor.