Rafale Losses and Operation Sindoor Spark Heated Clash in Lok Sabha

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi clashed with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Parliament over alleged Rafale jet losses during Operation Sindoor. Gogoi demanded transparency on military setbacks and accountability for the Pahalgam attack, while Singh defended the operation’s success and rejected claims of harm to Indian forces, intensifying political tensions.

A stormy debate erupted in the Lok Sabha on Monday as Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi questioned the Modi government's handling of Operation Sindoor and raised concerns over reports of Indian fighter jets being downed. His remarks drew a strong rebuttal from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, intensifying the political clash during Parliament’s monsoon session.

Gogoi pressed for clarity on the number of Rafale jets possibly lost during Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military action against Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. “India has only 35 Rafale jets. If some have been shot down, that is a significant loss,” he said, demanding transparency from the defence minister.

Citing a past interview by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who mentioned initial air losses without details, Gogoi accused the government of withholding the truth from both the public and the armed forces. He also targeted Home Minister Amit Shah for failing to prevent the Pahalgam attack and questioned Prime Minister Modi’s claims of decisive action against terror.

In response, Rajnath Singh praised the armed forces and declared Operation Sindoor a success. He insisted that no Indian soldier was harmed and confirmed the destruction of multiple terrorist camps. “Opposition is asking the wrong question. They should ask how many enemy aircraft were shot down — and the answer is, many,” Singh asserted.

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The debate underscored growing demands for accountability and clearer communication on India’s military operations. While the government maintained that objectives were achieved, the Opposition accused it of evading responsibility and misleading the nation.