Prithviraj Chauhan, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Congress leader, has admitted that India lost the war on the first day of Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a press conference, he said that on May 7, in just half an hour of aerial combat, Indian aircraft were shot down, and the battle was effectively lost.
Chauhan added that after the initial fight, Indian Air Force planes were grounded to avoid further losses against Pakistan Air Force attacks. He said the conflict during Operation Sandor primarily involved air battles and missile strikes, with minimal ground movement by Indian forces.
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The former CM questioned the need for maintaining a 1.2 million-strong army if it does not actively participate in such conflicts. He suggested that the military could be deployed for other tasks instead of being idle during warfare.
Chauhan refused to apologize for his statements, asserting that he stands by his remarks and has said nothing wrong. His comments have sparked a political uproar in India, drawing criticism from several leaders and former ministers.
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Political analysts say the admission has reignited debates over India’s military strategy and preparedness during cross-border operations. The statement also fuels public discussion on the effectiveness of India’s armed forces in modern warfare scenarios.