New Delhi [India]: BJP MP Sambit Patra launched a fierce counterattack against Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, following the latter’s remarks questioning the performance of Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Friday, Patra accused the Congress of undermining national security and showing sympathy towards Pakistan.
Criticizing Reddy’s comment that “Rafale jets were downed by Pakistan,” Patra responded with sharp words, saying:
“Yeh jo Pakistan ke Babbar hain, woh Hindustan ke Gabbar hain.”
He slammed Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Revanth Reddy, and Jairam Ramesh for failing to question Pakistan’s losses and instead focusing on India’s.
“Rahul Gandhi did not ask how many Pakistani airbases were destroyed, how many terrorists were killed; rather, he only asked how many Indian planes were shot down.”
Patra claimed that within the Congress, there are two factions:
“One which supports Pakistan and the other which wants to raise a voice for the country but is unable to do so because of you (Rahul Gandhi). Your ‘Jai Hind Yatra’ looks like ‘Pakistan’s Hind Yatra’. You should stop this yatra and hold a joint press conference with Pakistan.”
In a further attack, Patra accused Jairam Ramesh of equating Members of Parliament with terrorists, referring to Ramesh’s remarks on the multi-party delegation abroad.
“You have equated terrorists with MPs. MPs did not go on a tour; they went to strongly present India’s side in the world. And your MPs are also included in it.”
He also revisited past UPA actions, accusing the previous Congress-led government of being soft on terrorism:
“There was a time when terrorists were called to the PMO… We should also remember the day when Sonia ji cried after seeing the bodies of terrorists. The Indian Army destroyed nine terrorist hideouts. Satellite pictures were shown. DGMO presented all the facts.”
Revanth Reddy’s Statement
Earlier, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy had sparked controversy by stating that the Rafale jets purchased by the Modi government were downed by Pakistan. He questioned the Centre on the number of aircraft lost and raised concerns over defence contracts awarded to close allies of the Prime Minister.
“PM Modi, who purchased war fighter jets from another country, should answer how many Rafale jets have been downed by Pakistan.”
Reddy also accused the Modi government of halting the military offensive against Pakistan under US pressure, stating:
“I had already declared my full support for splitting Pakistan into two countries. Why did you call off the war at Trump’s behest?”
He emphasized the Congress party’s legacy of sacrifice, adding:
“The Congress and the Gandhi family have a history of sacrificing their lives for the country. PM Modi is a spent force. We will not rest until Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister.”
Reddy also criticized the BJP’s Tiranga Rally, contrasting it with the Congress’ Jai Hind Yatra, aimed at boosting the morale of the armed forces:
“The Congress is organising the Jai Hind Yatra to restore self-confidence among Indian soldiers who were demoralised by the BJP’s moves.”