IAF Chief Operation Sindoor Revelations Spark Political Firestorm

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh's recent statement regarding Operation Sindoor has ignited a significant political debate. Speaking in Bengaluru, Singh claimed the Indian Air Force shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one AWACS system during the operation, describing it as the "largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill by India." He specified that the AWACS system was destroyed 300 kilometres away.

This marks the first time such definitive claims have been made publicly about the intense engagements between two nuclear states, which occurred from May 6 to May 10. The Air Chief Marshal's position, as one of the country's highest, involves significant responsibility and numerous inputs, requiring extensive checks and balances before making public statements. It is suggested this timing allowed for all supporting evidence to be gathered.

The revelation, coming three months after the events, has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party.

Opposition leaders, including Rashid Alvi, questioned the delay and demanded clarification on whether any Indian jets or Rafales were shot down, accusing the government of hiding information about Indian losses. They previously referred to the operation as "Tamasha" in the Lok Sabha.

BJP leaders, however, defended the Air Chief Marshal's integrity, dismissing the opposition's queries as unpatriotic and a "drama." The Air Chief Marshal himself clarified that Operation Sindoor faced no political constraints or restrictions on the forces, attributing its success to strong political will.