Revanth Reddy’s Rafale Remark Sparks Political Storm; BJP Hits Back, Says ‘Stick to Miss World Photo Ops’
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy triggered a major political row after questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged loss of Rafale fighter jets during India’s Operation Sindoor, demanding an explanation “before the 140 crore people of India”.
Speaking at the 'Jai Hind' rally in Hyderabad, Reddy alleged, “Rafale aircraft brought by Narendra Modi were shot down by Pakistan. There is no discussion on how many Rafales were shot down. Narendra Modi should answer how many Rafale aircraft were shot down by Pakistan during the recent war. You give us the account.”
The BJP responded with a strong counterattack, accusing the Congress leader of “echoing Pakistan’s line” on national security. Telangana BJP fired back saying, “Stick to Miss World photo ops, Revanth. National security isn’t your ramp. When the nation wins, Congress sulks.”
Reddy also took jabs at PM Modi’s foreign policy, saying, “After four days of war, we do not know who threatened whom and who succumbed to whom. All of a sudden, US President Donald Trump came out and said he threatened India and stopped the war.”
He further accused Modi of failing to seize opportunities: “Despite the wishes of 140 crore Indians, he did not separate Balochistan from Pakistan or reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”
The Chief Minister compared Modi’s actions to those of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating, “She didn’t bow to pressure from the US during the 1971 war and went ahead to create Bangladesh. She even defeated China in 1967, sending a message to the world.”
The BJP, however, saw Reddy’s comments as crossing a red line. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party accused him of referring to Pakistan as “Mana Pakistan (Our Pakistan)” — a phrase the BJP claims mirrors “Pakistan’s propaganda.”
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra also slammed the remarks, labeling Reddy “Babbar of Pakistan,” and questioned Congress’s commitment to India’s defense. “From questioning Surgical Strikes and Balakot to mocking our armed forces and opposing Agnipath — standing against India is in Congress’s DNA,” he said.
Amid the rising political heat, Reddy defended his party’s record on national security, saying senior leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Meenakshi Natarajan had all affirmed that, “when it comes to national security, irrespective of political lines, everyone should come together.”
Despite the uproar, there has been no official confirmation or evidence of any Rafale jets being shot down during Operation Sindoor. The Indian Air Force and Press Information Bureau have dismissed such claims as “baseless.”
The political slugfest continues as both parties trade barbs over defense, diplomacy, and national pride — all just months ahead of a crucial election season.
Speaking at the 'Jai Hind' rally in Hyderabad, Reddy alleged, “Rafale aircraft brought by Narendra Modi were shot down by Pakistan. There is no discussion on how many Rafales were shot down. Narendra Modi should answer how many Rafale aircraft were shot down by Pakistan during the recent war. You give us the account.”
The BJP responded with a strong counterattack, accusing the Congress leader of “echoing Pakistan’s line” on national security. Telangana BJP fired back saying, “Stick to Miss World photo ops, Revanth. National security isn’t your ramp. When the nation wins, Congress sulks.”
Reddy also took jabs at PM Modi’s foreign policy, saying, “After four days of war, we do not know who threatened whom and who succumbed to whom. All of a sudden, US President Donald Trump came out and said he threatened India and stopped the war.”
He further accused Modi of failing to seize opportunities: “Despite the wishes of 140 crore Indians, he did not separate Balochistan from Pakistan or reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”
The Chief Minister compared Modi’s actions to those of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating, “She didn’t bow to pressure from the US during the 1971 war and went ahead to create Bangladesh. She even defeated China in 1967, sending a message to the world.”
The BJP, however, saw Reddy’s comments as crossing a red line. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party accused him of referring to Pakistan as “Mana Pakistan (Our Pakistan)” — a phrase the BJP claims mirrors “Pakistan’s propaganda.”
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra also slammed the remarks, labeling Reddy “Babbar of Pakistan,” and questioned Congress’s commitment to India’s defense. “From questioning Surgical Strikes and Balakot to mocking our armed forces and opposing Agnipath — standing against India is in Congress’s DNA,” he said.
Amid the rising political heat, Reddy defended his party’s record on national security, saying senior leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Meenakshi Natarajan had all affirmed that, “when it comes to national security, irrespective of political lines, everyone should come together.”
Despite the uproar, there has been no official confirmation or evidence of any Rafale jets being shot down during Operation Sindoor. The Indian Air Force and Press Information Bureau have dismissed such claims as “baseless.”
The political slugfest continues as both parties trade barbs over defense, diplomacy, and national pride — all just months ahead of a crucial election season.
