Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan refused to apologize for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, asserting his constitutional right to question military operations. He claimed India was “completely defeated” on the first day, with Indian aircraft shot down and the Air Force grounded. BJP leaders criticized Chavan’s statements as an insult to the armed forces. NEW DELHI: Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday refused to apologise for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, saying the Constitution gives him the right to ask questions.“Why will I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions,” Chavan said when asked whether he would apologise for his remarks.This comes a day after Chavan stirred controversy by claiming that India was “completely defeated” on the first day of Operation Sindoor, while questioning the conduct of the military operation.Also read: Former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan questions need for large Indian militarySpeaking to reporters in Pune, Chavan alleged that India suffered setbacks on the first day of the operation.“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. IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: Full list of sold and unsold players for all teamsIPL 2026 team and squad List: Updated players for all 10 Teams; who got whomIndian aircraft were shot down. The Air Force was completely grounded, and not a single aircraft flew. If any aircraft had taken off from Gwalior, Bathinda or Sirsa, there was a high probability of being shot down by Pakistan, which is why the Air Force was fully grounded,” Chavan said.The Congress leader further alleged that Operation Sindoor involved only aerial and missile warfare and saw no ground movement by the armed forces.”Recently, we saw during Operation Sindoor, there was not even a one-kilometre movement of the military… Whatever happened over two or three days was only an aerial war and missile warfare. In the future too, wars will be fought in the same way. In such a situation, do we really need to maintain an army of 12 lakh soldiers, or can we make they do some other work?” Chavan said.’Insulting the army has become the hallmark of the Congress’Reacting strongly, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of repeatedly disrespecting the Indian Armed Forces and undermining national security operations.Poonawalla said the statements made by the former Maharashtra chief minister were “shocking” and targeted the Air Force and the armed forces.”Insulting the army has become the hallmark of the Congress party… This is not just Prithviraj Chavan’s statement; Rahul Gandhi has also made similar statements,” Poonawalla said.All these statements reflect Rahul Gandhi’s mindset, which is why Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party does not take any action against such leaders… These statements reveal their anti-army mentality,” he added.Union minister Giriraj Singh also launched a broadside against Chavan and said that no one has the right to “insult the valour of the Armed Forces.””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,” Giriraj Singh said.Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was carried out in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmid Diplomatic Strain, Bangladesh Envoy Hamidullah Seeks Trust And Deeper India Ties On Victory DayEthiopia Confers Top National Honour On PM Modi, Citing Visionary Leadership And Global ImpactFrom Real Estate To IPR, Chadha Urges Govt To Unlock Wealth Through A Comprehensive Tokenisation LawPM Modi Holds Talks With Abiy Ahmed Ali, India-Ethiopia Ties Elevated To Strategic PartnershipLok Sabha Erupts Over MGNREGA: Priyanka Gandhi, Tharoor Slam VB‑G RAM G Bill, Shivraj Singh RespondsEx-Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan’s ‘Op Sindoor’ Remark Sparks Row, BJP Hits BackFrom Jordan To Ethiopia: How PM Modi’s Viral Car Diplomacy Is Redefining Diplomatic OpticsBondi Beach Shooting: Terrorists’ Origin Mystery Deepens As Indian Passport, Hyderabad Link EmergesIn Israel, Jaishankar Condoles Sydney Attack Targeting Jews, Sends Zero Tolerance on Terror MessagePM Modi Lands In Addis Ababa, Indian Diaspora In Ethiopia Awaits To Meet PM123PhotostoriesSecret Message From Your Birth Number That You Should KnowMan vs Baby: Lessons Rowan Atkinson’s Trevor Bingley taught parentsFrom co-parenting to emotional presence: Fatherhood lessons from Arjun RampalShort yet meaningful baby names that work globallyJohn Abraham at 53: The fitness regimen that keeps him strong and agile8 ways to add blueberries to your breakfast7 low-maintenance creepers that give your balcony a premium makeover5 ways to end a toxic relationshipWho designed the Tricolour, the national flag of India?Parenting tips from Hindi TV actors: Bharti Singh to Debina Bonnerjee123Hot PicksTop Stock RecommdationCorona RemediesJetBlue flight VenezuelaGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingLuka DoncicStephen CurryMegan Thee StallionStephen Curry and Ayesha Curry RumorsConnor McDavid Luxury Car CollectionTerence CrawfordBukayo Saka and Tolami Benson Net WorthConnor McDavidGarrett Wilson InjuryTyler Glasnow
NEW DELHI: Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday refused to apologise for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, saying the Constitution gives him the right to ask questions.“Why will I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions,” Chavan said when asked whether he would apologise for his remarks.This comes a day after Chavan stirred controversy by claiming that India was “completely defeated” on the first day of Operation Sindoor, while questioning the conduct of the military operation.Also read: Former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan questions need for large Indian militarySpeaking to reporters in Pune, Chavan alleged that India suffered setbacks on the first day of the operation.“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, and not a single aircraft flew. If any aircraft had taken off from Gwalior, Bathinda or Sirsa, there was a high probability of being shot down by Pakistan, which is why the Air Force was fully grounded,” Chavan said.The Congress leader further alleged that Operation Sindoor involved only aerial and missile warfare and saw no ground movement by the armed forces.“Recently, we saw during Operation Sindoor, there was not even a one-kilometre movement of the military… Whatever happened over two or three days was only an aerial war and missile warfare. In the future too, wars will be fought in the same way. In such a situation, do we really need to maintain an army of 12 lakh soldiers, or can we make they do some other work?” Chavan said.‘Insulting the army has become the hallmark of the Congress’Reacting strongly, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of repeatedly disrespecting the Indian Armed Forces and undermining national security operations.Poonawalla said the statements made by the former Maharashtra chief minister were “shocking” and targeted the Air Force and the armed forces.“Insulting the army has become the hallmark of the Congress party… This is not just Prithviraj Chavan’s statement; Rahul Gandhi has also made similar statements,” Poonawalla said.All these statements reflect Rahul Gandhi’s mindset, which is why Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party does not take any action against such leaders… These statements reveal their anti-army mentality,” he added.Union minister Giriraj Singh also launched a broadside against Chavan and said that no one has the right to “insult the valour of the Armed Forces.”“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,” Giriraj Singh said.Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was carried out in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed.