Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that Rahul Gandhi, if he were in power, would have taken a far tougher stance against Pakistan and reclaimed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Speaking during the Congress’ ‘Jai Hind Yatra’ in Hyderabad’s Nizampet on Thursday, Reddy drew parallels between Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He said India today needs a leader with the same resolve. “Had Rahul Gandhi been Prime Minister, he would have followed Indira Gandhi’s footsteps, split Pakistan into two, and taken back PoK,” Reddy said.
Reddy also questioned the Modi government’s decision to halt military operations against Pakistan. “The Congress supported the Centre in the all-party meeting and even proposed decisive action to integrate PoK into India,” he said. “But within four days, the operations were stopped. Why wasn’t an all-party consensus taken before announcing a ceasefire?”
Highlighting the Congress leadership’s stance, Reddy said both Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge backed the idea of strong military action during the meeting. “This is about national interest, not politics,” he added.
The Chief Minister went further, invoking the legacy of Indira Gandhi in handling foreign threats. “She refused U.S. pressure during the 1971 war and led the country to victory, dividing Pakistan in the process. Today, when China held one of our officers captive, PM Modi didn’t act decisively,” he said, referring to Colonel Santosh’s capture.
Positioning Rahul Gandhi as the future of India, Reddy claimed he is the only leader capable of confronting both Pakistan and China. “He will uphold the nation’s self-respect,” Reddy declared.
Reddy also accused the Modi government of compromising national security. “When the country expected bold action, Modi called off military operations, allegedly on Donald Trump’s advice,” he alleged. “If that’s the case, why is the BJP now leading Tiranga rallies? National security is not a private agenda.”
He concluded by outlining the purpose of the Congress’ ongoing yatra. “The Jai Hind Yatra is about restoring the faith of our armed forces and reminding the nation of the sacrifices made by the Congress and the Gandhi family,” he said. “Modi’s leadership is outdated. The country needs Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister.”
