‘Whose Side Are You On?’ Maharashtra Deputy CM Tears Into Prithviraj Chavan, Rahul Gandhi Over Operation Sindoor Remarks

Mumbai: A fierce political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after the state’s Deputy Chief Minister launched a blistering attack on senior Congress leaders Prithviraj Chavan and Rahul Gandhi over their remarks questioning India’s military actions during Operation Sindoor. The Deputy CM accused the Congress leadership of making statements that weaken national morale and echo narratives hostile to India’s interests.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, the Deputy Chief Minister described Chavan’s comments as “deeply irresponsible” and went a step further by branding them anti-national in tone. He questioned the intent behind repeatedly portraying India as having suffered a defeat, asking whether such statements indirectly serve Pakistan’s interests. “When leaders speak about India losing, one must ask—who benefits from such talk?” he said.

The Deputy CM also targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of consistently raising doubts about India’s defence capabilities. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s public questioning of military outcomes sends a damaging message at a time when national unity is crucial. According to him, raising unverified claims about losses only demoralises the armed forces and emboldens adversaries.

The controversy began earlier this week when former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan made remarks at a public event in Pune, claiming that India suffered a decisive setback on the first day of Operation Sindoor. Chavan alleged that Indian fighter aircraft were shot down and that the Indian Air Force was forced to halt operations from several key airbases due to the threat posed by Pakistani forces.

Chavan further asserted that the aerial confrontation lasted barely half an hour and ended in what he described as a “complete defeat” for India. His remarks triggered sharp reactions across political lines, with critics accusing him of spreading misinformation about sensitive military matters.

Despite growing pressure and criticism, Chavan has stood firm and refused to retract his statement. He has maintained that he did not say anything incorrect and has categorically ruled out issuing an apology. “I have nothing to apologise for,” he said, even as backlash continued to mount.