Eknath Shinde slams former Maha CM Prithviraj Chavan’s claim about ‘Operation Sindoor’

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has criticised veteran Congressman and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan’s statement that Pakistan succeeded in gaining the upper hand against Indian armed forces during ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Talking to media persons on Wednesday, Shinde questioned Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan’s statement and said, “Do these people who talk about India’s defeat want Pakistan’s victory? They speak Pakistan’s language. The Congress party’s love for Pakistan is only increasing. They speak against India. What kind of Indians are they? What kind of patriotism is this? What kind of nationalism is this? This is treason. It is a betrayal of the country, it is dishonesty to the country. Therefore, I condemn those who make such statements”.

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Shinde also targeted the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, by saying, “When ‘Operation Sindoor’ happened, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi repeatedly asked for evidence. He wanted to know how many drones were lost, how many planes were lost and how much damage was caused. But our armed forces took decisive action against Pakistan by destroying terrorist bases”.

“India gave Pakistan a befitting reply after the Pahalgam attack. The entire nation is proud of this. The public will teach a lesson to those who question ‘Operation Sindoor’ and speak like this. Those who say such things to dig PM Narendra Modi’s grave will end up digging their own graves,” Eknath Shinde said.

Shinde’s statement came after Prithviraj Chavan issued a controversial statement on Tuesday (December 16), saying that “We (India) suffered a complete defeat on the very first day of Operation Sindoor.” Chavan said, “We were completely defeated in the half-hour air battle on May 7, whether people accept it or not. Indian aircraft were shot down. The Indian Air Force was completely grounded”.

Later on Wednesday, Chavan refused to apologise for his remark about Operation Sindoor, that India was “defeated on Day 1” of ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May. “I will not say sorry. I haven’t said anything wrong and have nothing to apologise for,” he said.

“I don’t want to say anything more now, but I will not apologise. There is no need. I did not make any wrong comment. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions. I will talk in detail later,” Chavan said.