MUMBAI: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has refused to back down over his remarks regarding India’s defeat by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
“There is no need to apologise. I haven’t said anything wrong,” he said amid the row over his remarks on Operation Sindoor.
Reacting to the ruling party BJP’s response, he said, “There is no way to apologise. I have every right to ask questions.”
He had said in his remarks that ‘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.
Chauhan stated that during a brief aerial skirmish on May 7, Indian aircraft were shot down, leaving the Indian Air Force in a critical state. He said all remaining aircraft were grounded, and none could take off.
He warned that any planes attempting to launch from airbases faced a high risk of being shot down. Chauhan emphasised that these were facts that must be acknowledged, even if there was public disagreement.
The day after his statement, Chauhan refused to apologise, telling the media that no apology was necessary.
🔴#BREAKING | “There is no need to apologise” : Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan amid row over ‘Operation Sindoor’ remarkhttps://t.co/1v08nCeOrm
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His remarks have stirred political debate in India and reignited national discussions over the reported failure of Operation Sandor.
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The statement has polarised opinion, with analysts noting its potential to influence both political narratives and public perception of military operations.
