Prithviraj Chavan refuses to apologise on Op. Sindoor remarks, says ‘constitution gives him right to ask questions’

Former Union Minister and Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) said there is no question of apologising, after his remarks on Operation Sindoor stirred a controversy. “The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions. I will talk elaborately later,” he said when asked about his remarks in which he had claimed that India was defeated on the very first day of Operation Sindoor.

Speaking exclusively to The Hindu, Mr. Chavan said his statement was being misconstrued. “I want to know if my country is safe under his [Narendra Modi’s] leadership. I have asked questions to the political leadership, and not to the armed forces. I have the highest regard for the Armed Forces of our country. I demand a thorough inquiry into Pahalgam and Op Sindoor. Truth must come out in front of the country,” Mr Chavan told The Hindu.

Addressing a press conference in Pune, Mr. Chavan had made controversial remarks as he claimed that the Indian Air Force was “completely grounded”, amid the probability of being shot down by Pakistan.

The Congress leader said, “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.”

Furthermore, he questioned the need to maintain large military forces, stating that wars will be fought in the air.

(With ANI inputs)