'How many Rafale jets did we lose?': Telangana CM Revanth Reddy questions ceasefire decision, slams Centre’s handling of Op Sindoor

HYDERABAD: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led NDA govt for failing to convene an all-party meeting before announcing a ceasefire with Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.He questioned the Centre's unilateral approach and accused it of lack of strategy, courage, and transparency in managing the recent military engagement.Addressing the Jai Hind rally, organised to honour the Indian armed forces' participation in Operation Sindoor, Revanth said: "When Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge attended the all-party meeting, they extended full support to the Centre and clearly stated that India must reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Yet, within four days of the strike, the govt abruptly announced a ceasefire. Why the haste? The country was left in the dark until US President Donald Trump revealed it on social media."'Lack of clarity'Revanth questioned the lack of clarity surrounding the military operation and asked the Centre to disclose the impact of Pakistan's response."How many Rafale jets did we lose? What exactly happened in those four days?" he asked, criticising the Modi govt for not being forthcoming.Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister, he remarked: "Modi is like a demonetised Rs 1,000 note. If Rahul Gandhi were Prime Minister, we would have reclaimed PoK by now."He drew parallels between Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, citing her bold leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, when India's military campaign led to the creation of Bangladesh."Indira Gandhi declared war on China and issued a stern warning to the US during the 1971 conflict. That's the kind of leadership India needs today," he said.‘Modi silent on China'The chief minister also criticised the Modi govt for its inaction against China, following the death of Indian Army Colonel B Santosh Babu during a confrontation with Chinese forces in 2020."Why didn't the Prime Minister take any decisive action against China? Why no bold response, even after the sacrifice of our soldiers?" Revanth asked, suggesting that the current leadership lacked the resolve shown by Congress leaders in the past.‘Don't politicise patriotism'Turning his attention to the BJP's nationwide Tiranga rallies, Revanth questioned their intent. "Are these rallies really to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and our martyred soldiers—or just another political stunt? Patriotism is not your party's private property. It belongs to the entire nation," he said.He reiterated the Congress party's legacy of sacrifice, pointing out that the Gandhi family has paid with their lives in service to the nation. "The Congress has always stood for the country. We will work tirelessly until Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister. In these difficult times, India needs a courageous, decisive leader like him."