Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns about the ongoing political discussion regarding the number of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in ‘Operation Sindoor’. She highlighted that both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force had previously acknowledged and paid tribute to the six personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The controversy arose after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement in Parliament, where he mentioned no soldier deaths, following the immortalization of six martyred jawans at the National War Memorial in the national Capital. Chaturvedi pointed out instances where high-ranking officials had honored the fallen heroes during ‘Operation Sindoor’, emphasizing the need to recognize their ultimate sacrifice.
Chaturvedi’s remarks came amidst criticism from Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), allies in the INDIA Bloc, directed at the Centre and the Defence Minister for allegedly downplaying the soldiers’ sacrifice during ‘Operation Sindoor’. Congress demanded Singh’s resignation, accusing the government of misleading Parliament and failing to give the martyrs the respect they deserve.
The Ministry of Defence refuted the allegations, clarifying that Singh’s statement was misconstrued. The Ministry emphasized that the Defence Minister was addressing false rumors circulating online about Indian Air Force pilots being shot down and not denying ground casualties. The six soldiers who laid down their lives in ‘Operation Sindoor’ include personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, with their names being commemorated at the National War Memorial to honor their sacrifice.
