In a fiery political exchange amid heightened border tensions, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lashed out at Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar over his controversial comments on Operation Sindoor, an Indian military initiative targeting terror infrastructure across the Pakistan border. The heated remarks, made during an event in Mumbai, sparked further confrontation between the BJP-led state government and the Opposition Congress Party.

Fadnavis Labels Wadettiwar’s Remarks as Foolish

Fadnavis, known for his aggressive political posture, did not mince words as he attacked Wadettiwar for questioning the Indian military’s strategy and alleged high expenditure in response to low-cost drone attacks from Pakistan.

"What can be said to fools?" Fadnavis said while referring to Wadettiwar’s statements. "Congress leaders do not see the difference between things; for them, there is no distinction between drones used by farmers and combat drones." He further added that such comments only serve to lower the morale of the armed forces, an act he deemed irresponsible and damaging.

Fadnavis criticised the Congress party as a whole, accusing its leaders of trying to politicise national security. He stated emphatically that those who have no sense of duty towards the nation must be responded to strongly.

Wadettiwar’s Controversial Statements on Operation Sindoor

The controversy began when Vijay Wadettiwar, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, questioned India’s response to Pakistan’s drone and missile strikes, which followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives.

In his statement, Wadettiwar alleged that Pakistan used Chinese drones costing between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000, while India responded by deploying missiles worth Rs 15 lakh each. He suggested this was part of a Chinese conspiracy to provoke expensive responses from India.

While he acknowledged that these were unverified reports, his framing implied a lack of confidence in the government’s military decisions. He also questioned whether India's expensive military response was justified and called for greater transparency.

Further stoking tensions, Wadettiwar made the unverified claim that Pakistan had shot down Rafale fighter jets and demanded an official statement from the central government regarding casualties and military losses. He argued, “In a democracy, what is wrong with asking questions? Citizens have the right to know how many were injured, how many soldiers were martyred, and how many Rafales were lost.”

Political Fallout and Accusations of Demoralisation

Fadnavis took strong exception to this line of questioning, interpreting it as an insult to the armed forces and a deliberate attempt to distract the public from the courage and sacrifice displayed by the military. He stated:

“The only work of Congress leaders is to lower the army’s morale. These kinds of statements come when there is no respect for those protecting the nation.”

The BJP has accused Congress of using such statements for political gain ahead of the 2025 Maharashtra Assembly elections, which are anticipated to be hotly contested.

Senior BJP leaders echoed Fadnavis's stance, stating that such misinformation could potentially harm national interest and provide psychological advantage to enemies of India.

Operation Sindoor: Background and Relevance

Operation Sindoor was launched by Indian forces in early May 2025 following Pakistan’s cross-border aggression between May 8 and 10. The operation was intended to target terror infrastructure and launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

As a consequence of intense military engagement, 27 Indian civilians lost their lives and over 70 others were injured due to Pakistani drone and artillery attacks, particularly in Jammu’s Poonch district.

India’s response, which included air strikes, ground action, and drone defence, was praised by the Centre and supported by most national political parties—except, notably, some segments of the Congress leadership.

Fadnavis Calls for Unity and Accountability

Urging political unity in times of national crisis, Fadnavis stated that “questions should be asked with responsibility and facts”, rather than peddling hearsay. He criticised the Congress party for relying on rumours to make sensationalist claims.

“If we start believing WhatsApp forwards over official statements, what kind of democracy are we supporting?” he said.

Fadnavis added that India’s defence systems and military protocols are among the best in the world, and decisions about which missiles or equipment to use are taken by strategic experts, not politicians.

He also questioned whether Wadettiwar was indirectly supporting anti-India narratives by raising unverified claims in public forums, which can be amplified by adversaries and foreign propaganda machinery.

A Larger Debate on Free Speech vs National Interest

This controversy has also reignited debate around free speech versus national security, with Congress leaders defending Wadettiwar's right to question the government and Fadnavis insisting on responsibility in public discourse, especially on sensitive military matters.

Several media commentators have also weighed in, with some criticising Wadettiwar for irresponsible political grandstanding, while others argued that questioning defence expenditures in a democracy should not be viewed as unpatriotic.

BJP Demands Apology; Congress Unyielding

Following Fadnavis’s remarks, BJP leaders have demanded an official apology from Wadettiwar and the Congress leadership. However, Congress has thus far stood by Wadettiwar, saying his statements were taken out of context and that he merely asked for greater accountability.

Sources within the Congress Party argue that asking legitimate questions about public money and military losses does not equate to being anti-national, and that such checks and balances are the essence of democracy.

Conclusion: Political Tempers Rise as Election Season Nears

As India faces rising border tensions and increasing incidents of cross-border terrorism, political tempers are flaring. The Fadnavis-Wadettiwar exchange is a reflection of the growing polarisation over matters of national defence, with both parties trying to position themselves as defenders of public interest.

What remains clear is that Operation Sindoor has not only become a military and diplomatic talking point, but also a political flashpoint ahead of crucial elections. How this discourse unfolds in the coming weeks will shape not only public opinion on national security, but also the political climate in Maharashtra and beyond.

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