“Why should I apologise? That’s not even an option,” Chavan stated in response to reporters, as reported by news agency ANI.
“The Constitution grants me the right to ask questions,” he continued.
Chavan also chose not to respond to questions about whether he regrets his statements or views them as a slight against the Indian Army. He mentioned that he would address the media more comprehensively later, without providing further details.
#WATCH | Pune | Concerning his assertion that India was defeated on day one of Operation Sindoor, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan remarked, “Why should I apologise? That’s out of the question. The Constitution allows me to question…” pic.twitter.com/Idnp7nL63M
— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025
On Tuesday, December 16, while addressing reporters at Patrakar Bhavan in Pune, Chavan stated that India suffered a complete defeat on the first day of Operation Sindoor.
“On that first day (of Operation Sindoor), we faced a total defeat. During the half-hour aerial engagement on May 7, we were entirely defeated, whether or not people accept it… Indian aircraft were shot down. The Air Force was rendered ineffective, and not a single aircraft took to the skies,” Chavan said, according to ANI.
“Had any aircraft taken off from Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa, there was a significant risk of them being shot down by Pakistan; thus, the Air Force was completely grounded,” he further elaborated.
Remarks ignite political backlash
Chavan’s statements have led to a new controversy, with numerous leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemning his remarks. They are calling for action against Chavan, labeling his comments as anti-national and reflective of pro-Pakistani sentiments.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh remarked, “No one has the right to belittle the valour of our armed forces. Those who disrespect the army’s courage cannot prioritize the nation’s interests. The opposition and Congress have made it a practice to insult the country and the army. This nation will not tolerate it,” as per news agency PTI.
BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan queried why Congress’s leadership has yet to take any action against Chavan while demanding an apology from him. “Why have Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi not condemned or initiated actions against Prithviraj Chavan? Do they agree with his outrageous comments? Congress displays an anti-army mindset…” he stated.
Read more: India was ‘completely defeated’ on Operation Sindoor’s first day, says Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan
“The Supreme Court reprimanded Rahul Gandhi for his remarks against the army… Chavan’s statement will not be forgotten or forgiven by the public… Action should be taken against him for this disgraceful remark, and he ought to apologise…” he added, as per ANI.
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang also referred to the remarks as a “very unfortunate statement,” asserting, “Such individuals should be politically boycotted. We question the integrity of those who doubt the army we are incredibly proud of.”
Chavan questions the necessity of the Indian Army, BJP labels it an insult
Chavan also raised concerns about the need for a large army amid ongoing conflicts between India and Pakistan, which have involved extensive aerial and missile warfare without necessitating the mobilization of ground forces.
Condemning his remarks, BJP spokesperson Kesavan stated, “Prithviraj Chavan has spoken like a third-rate Pakistani spokesperson, intentionally defaming our armed forces and suggesting they be disbanded on Vijay Diwas.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla labeled Congress as the “anti-national party.” “The INC has shown that it is not the Indian National Congress but rather ‘Islamabad National Congress’—it is the Anti-National Congress; Chavan’s statement underscores Congress’ anti-army mentality,” he remarked, according to PTI.
