As opposition groups accuse the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of rampant electoral fraud in the most recent elections, India has witnessed massive protests. Due to allegations of vote fraud, tampered election equipment, and suppression of dissent, the BJP and its rivals are now more politically split. Critics argue that the BJP has a strong grasp on power because its recurrent victories are unfairly acquired, despite rising public discontent. This long-standing rivalry has been brought to light by the current demonstrations, and Congressman Rahul Gandhi has used the opportunity to openly attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, accusing it of prioritizing appearances over democratic transparency and integrity.

The narrative framed around India’s overwhelming military superiority, Pakistan’s quick de-escalation and loss, instead of admitting specific setbacks; has weakened public morale, emboldened adversaries like China and Pakistan.  this has sparked demands for accountability from the Indian Air Force, Defence Ministry, or arms suppliers.

The government may see silence as a strategy of plausible deniability, preserving strategic ambiguity in the course of conflict. But given the opposition’s demands for openness, especially from Rahul Gandhi, the BJP’s decision to deny public confirmation of aircraft losses caused immediate political harm. Members of parliament have demanded images of the wreckage, evidence that the Rafale planes vanished, and an explanation of the United States’ involvement in bringing about a truce. So far, Modi has mostly rejected that any foreign leader, including Donald Trump, dictated terms to India for cease fire.

India has, however, confessed losing some fighter planes during Mission Sindoor, citing political limitations. According to Pakistan, India lost five airliners, including Rafales, Su-30s, and MiG-29s. U.S. intelligence sources reported that at least two Indian aircraft were shot down by Pakistani J-10 fighters with PL-15 air-to-air missiles. Chengdu J-10CE fighters reportedly used PL-15E missiles, while Pakistan also deployed Wing Loong MALE UCAVs, which the IAF destroyed in attacks on hangars with Su-30 and Rafale warplanes. Despite these claims, Indian officials continue to deny defeat, though Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan acknowledged the losses as “setbacks.” Pakistan, meanwhile, sought and obtained a ceasefire, as confirmed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Pakistan has turned the operation into a narrative of resilience and deterrence, undermining India’s image of unchallenged power. Its strategic precision and diligence have been highlighted by global defense experts. The need for international de-escalation, particularly by the U.S., exposed the fragile nature of India’s regional dominance. Former President Donald Trump’s admission of his role in achieving the ceasefire casts doubt on the Modi government’s denial of U.S. mediation, adding to international mistrust.

Restricted media, limited journalist access, and conflicting official statements have all contributed to suspicions of false flag operations.  Looking into the past operations, such as Balakot and Operation Sindhoor, frequently accrued around elections or legislative discussions, significantly indicate that they were conducted for diversionary purposes. Rahul Gandhi and other senior opposition leaders have called for a judicial investigation into the operation’s timing, goals, and veracity.

The denial of the claimed damage at the airbases of Udhampur, Adampur, Bhuj, and Pathankot raises concerns about openness and may be seen as an effort to keep a narrative of control while avoiding public criticism. Accusing Pakistan of aiding terrorist organizations, India defends its actions as lawful self-defence against cross-border terrorism. While the domestic media accentuates nationalist themes and minimizes foreign initiatives, including those by the U.S. president, it asserts that it promotes peace through backchannels.

There are scepticisms even among Indian opposition and experts despite the dramatic media display, since the government has not disclosed verifiable evidence, such as film of damaged targets or shot-down planes. on contrary, Pakistan has given more tangible and visual proof than India has with its primarily verbal claims by publishing images and videos of Indian aircraft wreckage, missile components, and the aftermath of the strike.
The mission ultimately failed to give India a definite military or psychological advantage. While Pakistan’s story picks up steam abroad, opposition leaders keep portraying Modi’s silence as a cover-up or obfuscation. The political and diplomatic controversy continues because the conflict between national security and openness has not been settled.