Revanth Reddy calls for leadership change, criticizes PM Modi’s response to Pakistan

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has stirred political discourse by demanding a shift in national leadership, strongly criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of recent military tensions with Pakistan, particularly during the recently concluded Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the “Jai Hind” rally on May 29th, Reddy asserted that Modi’s response lacked decisiveness and strength, especially following the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement.

In a scathing comparison, Reddy likened Modi to an obsolete Rs. 1000 note, implying that the Prime Minister's leadership is outdated and ineffective in dealing with modern geopolitical challenges. He claimed that if Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were at the helm, he would have taken a more assertive approach, reminiscent of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s decisive leadership. Reddy went as far as to suggest that under Rahul's leadership, India would have reclaimed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and pushed towards liberating Balochistan.

The rally saw the presence of several prominent Congress leaders, including AICC state in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, PCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, state ministers, and numerous ex-servicemen. Reddy used the platform to galvanize support for Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister, drawing parallels between Rahul’s political vision and Indira Gandhi’s historic role in the 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Highlighting Hyderabad’s defense manufacturing prowess, Reddy criticized the Modi government for not utilizing indigenous fighter jets in past military confrontations. He argued that had Indian-made aircraft been deployed instead of the French Rafale jets, the outcome of the India-Pakistan aerial engagements could have been different. According to Reddy, the Rafales were acquired under controversial circumstances and, shockingly, he claimed they were downed by Pakistan—a statement that drew sharp rebuttal from BJP leaders.

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya responded strongly to Reddy’s claims, stating that there is no credible evidence—such as satellite imagery or wreckage—to support the notion that any Rafale aircraft was shot down. He accused the Congress party of echoing narratives favorable to Pakistan, questioning the intent behind such statements.

Reddy also took a swipe at the BJP’s Tiranga Yatra, questioning its timing and intent. He noted that even U.S. President Donald Trump had taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, yet the central government ignored consultations with domestic political parties. He criticized the BJP for sidelining national consensus during a time of international tension.

With elections on the horizon, Reddy’s remarks signal a strategic political positioning, attempting to reignite nationalistic fervor under a Congress-led vision while directly challenging the BJP's defense and diplomatic policies.