Congress demands special parliament session after CDS confirms jet losses during Pakistan clash

The Congress party on Saturday called for a special session of Parliament after Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan acknowledged that Indian aircraft were lost during recent hostilities with Pakistan.

The remarks, made during an interview in Singapore, have sparked political debate and renewed calls for transparency from the government.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of misleading the public and urged an immediate parliamentary review of the situation. He proposed the establishment of an independent defence preparedness review committee, similar to the Kargil Review Committee formed in 1999.

CDS Chauhan, while dismissing Pakistan’s claim of downing six Indian jets as “absolutely incorrect,” stated that the focus should be on understanding the reasons behind the aircraft losses.

Congress leaders interpreted his comments as confirmation of Indian fighter jet casualties during the operation.

Party leaders including Jairam Ramesh and Uttam Kumar Reddy, a former Indian Air Force pilot, criticized the government for its silence on the issue. Ramesh pointed out that during the Kargil War, the Vajpayee-led government convened a review committee within days, suggesting that a similar approach was warranted now.

Reddy claimed it was “clear” that at least one Rafale aircraft was downed, and questioned the government’s continued denial. He added that both CDS Chauhan and Air Marshal A.K. Bharti had hinted at such losses, and stressed the need for a technological reassessment to prevent future incidents.

Congress leaders emphasized their support for the armed forces but called for government accountability, stating that transparency is essential in a democracy.