Maharashtra's political landscape has been ignited by a sharp war of words following controversial comments made by former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan regarding a sensitive military operation. The current Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, launched a scathing attack, stating that some leaders have "gone crazy" in their criticism.
The Spark: Chavan's Controversial Claim
The controversy stems from remarks made by Congress leader and former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan concerning Operation Sindoor. Chavan claimed that India faced a 'total defeat' in an aerial engagement with Pakistan on the very first day of the operation, which was May 7. This assertion, questioning the nation's military prowess, quickly drew fierce backlash from political opponents and defense analysts alike.
Fadnavis's Furious Retort
Leading the charge against Chavan was Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In a strongly worded rebuttal, Fadnavis did not mince his words. He accused certain opposition leaders of losing their mental balance over the issue. "Some leaders have gone crazy," Fadnavis declared, framing Chavan's statement as not just factually incorrect but also as an act that demoralizes the armed forces and undermines national security.
Fadnavis emphasized that such irresponsible commentary from a former chief minister sets a dangerous precedent. He defended the valour and success of the Indian armed forces, insisting that the operation's details and outcomes should be left to official channels and not be subjected to speculative and damaging political rhetoric.
Political Fallout and National Security Discourse
The incident, reported by PTI on December 18, 2025, has escalated into a major political row in Maharashtra. It touches upon the broader, often tense, discourse surrounding national security and the limits of political criticism. The BJP-led state government has positioned itself as the defender of military honour, while the opposition, particularly the Congress, finds itself needing to clarify or defend Chavan's stance.
This is not the first time Operation Sindoor has been a point of political contention. However, Chavan's specific characterization of events as a "total defeat" has intensified the debate, forcing a re-examination of the narratives around the India-Pakistan aerial fight. The episode highlights how military operations remain a potent and divisive topic in Indian politics, with accusations and counter-accusations flying thick and fast.
The key facts remain central to the story: the operation in question is Operation Sindoor, the disputed event occurred on May 7, and the primary figures involved are Prithviraj Chavan, who made the claim, and Devendra Fadnavis, who issued the vehement condemnation. The political fallout continues to unfold, testing the boundaries of responsible political discourse on matters of defense.
