‘Were Rafale Jets Shot Down?’: Gaurav Gogoi Challenges Rajnath Singh in Fiery Parliament Debate

A heated exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Monday during a debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and ‘Operation Sindoor’, as Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi pressed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on whether any Rafale jets were shot down during India’s counter-terror operation against Pakistan. The confrontation occurred as Parliament’s monsoon session continued its discussions.

Gogoi launched a sharp attack on the Centre, asking, “How many Rafale jets were shot down during India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan?” He emphasized the significance of such a loss, stating, “There are just 35 Rafale jets in India, and if some of them have been downed, I think it is a big loss.” Gogoi referenced an earlier statement by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who had mentioned initial air losses but declined to provide details.

The Congress MP further questioned the government’s transparency, highlighting that 100 days had passed since the Pahalgam attack, yet the terrorists responsible had not been brought to justice. He demanded clarity on the extent of India’s losses in the military operation, asserting, “We want to know from Rajnath Singh ji today how many of our fighter jets were downed. We have to tell this not just to the public but also to our jawans, as they are being lied to as well.”

Earlier in the debate, Rajnath Singh had lauded the armed forces and the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’, stating that no important Indian assets were damaged. Responding indirectly to such questions, Singh remarked, “Some Opposition members are asking how many of our aircraft were shot down. I feel their question does not adequately represent our national sentiments. They have not asked how many enemy aircraft our armed forces shot down.” He reiterated that ‘Operation Sindoor’ achieved its objectives, destroying terror bases and leadership without any Indian soldier being harmed.

Gogoi also criticized the government over US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s actions. He contrasted the government’s current statements with earlier claims of striking terror infrastructure and questioned why the operation was not fully completed if its objectives were truly met. Gogoi directly targeted Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that he should take responsibility for the intelligence lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack.

The debate comes amid growing pressure on the government to release more details about ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam attack.