Political row erupts over Telangana CM’s remarks on Operation Sindoor and Rafale jets
NEW DELHI: A fresh political storm has erupted after Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy questioned the performance of Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor, triggering a fierce backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party accused Reddy and other Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh, of spreading misinformation and undermining the morale of the Indian Armed Forces.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra came down heavily on Reddy, branding the Congress trio as part of the “Saboot Gang” — a reference to their repeated demands for evidence of military operations. Drawing parallels from the iconic film Sholay, Patra remarked, “Those who are Babbars in Pakistan are Gabbars in India. And just like in Sholay, Gabbar will meet the same fate at the hands of Jai and Veeru — symbols of India’s bravery.”
Patra criticized the Congress leaders for demanding details such as how many Rafale jets were shot down by Pakistan — a claim that has not been officially acknowledged by the Indian Air Force.
BJP Accuses Congress of Undermining National Security
The controversy began when Revanth Reddy, speaking at a rally, claimed that Rafale aircraft purchased by the Modi government were shot down by Pakistan during the recent military engagement and demanded accountability from the Prime Minister.
“The Rafales that Modi brought were shot down. Why is there no discussion on this? How many Rafales were hit? The people of this country deserve an answer,” Reddy said, referencing Secunderabad’s cantonment and Telangana’s role in defence production.
Patra slammed these remarks, accusing Reddy and the Congress of demoralizing the armed forces. “Instead of asking how many Pakistani airbases were destroyed or how many terrorists were neutralized, they ask how many Indian jets were downed. Their priorities are clear,” he said.
Jairam Ramesh’s Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
Further inflaming the issue, Patra called out Jairam Ramesh for allegedly equating Members of Parliament with terrorists. “This so-called ‘saboot gang’ is disappointed by India’s military success. Ramesh said MPs are roaming abroad just like terrorists. Such statements disgrace Parliament and the military alike,” he added.
BJP: Congress Echoing Enemy Lines
The BJP’s Telangana unit echoed similar sentiments, accusing Revanth Reddy of parroting Pakistan’s propaganda.
“Revanth Reddy not only echoed Pakistan’s stance on Rafale and Operation Sindoor, he went a step further, referring to it as ‘Mana Pakistan’ (Our Pakistan). This is not the first time Congress has questioned our forces — from Balakot to Agnipath, their track record is consistent,” read a statement from the BJP’s official state handle.
Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell head, also slammed the Congress, saying, “They sound more like Pakistan’s PR agency than India’s opposition. If Pakistan had actually downed a Rafale, there would be satellite imagery, wreckage, and international proof. But Congress seems to be sourcing their facts from WhatsApp forwards.”
He added, “Why don’t they ask how many Pakistani jets we neutralized? Their silence on that is telling. Whether by ignorance or intent, Congress is playing straight into the enemy’s hands.”
Senior BJP Leaders Join the Attack
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also weighed in, stating that Congress has a history of disrespecting the military and questioning national security initiatives.
“From Rahul Gandhi to Revanth Reddy, this is a pattern — doubting surgical strikes, disrespecting soldiers, and aligning with enemy rhetoric. Congress must decide who they are loyal to — Bharat or someone else,” he said.
The Larger Political Context
This controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, with national security once again becoming a key issue in the political discourse. While the BJP has positioned itself as the defender of the armed forces, Congress faces mounting criticism for its leaders’ remarks, which the ruling party claims weaken India’s stance against adversaries.
As the debate continues to rage, what was intended as political commentary by Revanth Reddy has snowballed into a nationwide controversy — one that may have implications far beyond Telangana.
