Delhi: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has defended his controversial remarks regarding Operation Sindoor, insisting on transparency and a fair inquiry into the Pahalgam incident of April 22. Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Chavan called for full disclosure of details surrounding the operation, even as the BJP criticised his statements as disrespectful to the Indian Armed Forces.
Chavan, who sparked outrage by claiming that India faced setbacks on the first day of the operation, refused to apologise. “I have the right to ask questions, why should I apologise?” he said, asserting that his comments were being misrepresented to divert attention from pressing legislative matters, including the recently introduced nuclear privatisation SHANTI Bill in the Lok Sabha.
During the press meet, Chavan reiterated his position, stating, “On the first day of Operation Sindoor, we were completely defeated. In the half-hour aerial engagement on the 7th, we were fully defeated, whether people accept it or not.” His remarks, however, drew sharp criticism from senior BJP leaders.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh lashed out at Chavan, saying, “No one has the right to insult the valour of the Armed Forces. Those who do so can never think of the nation’s interest….It has become Congress’s habit to insult the Armed Forces.” Singh’s comments underline the BJP’s stance that political debate should never undermine national security or the morale of military personnel.
