Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

HYDERABAD: Amid a rising controversy over US President Donald Trump’s claim of having negotiated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday claimed that the Narendra Modi government succumbed to pressure from Trump and backed down from the opportunity to crush terrorism and defeat Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had turned down the US President’s offer to mediate and stop the war with Pakistan in 1971. It is unfortunate, Revanth said, that the present US President claimed he initiated a ceasefire post-Pahalgam anti-terrorist operations launched by India against Pakistan.“Post-Pahalgam, the people of the country are remembering the iron lady, Indira Gandhi, for teaching Pakistan a lesson by breaking it into two parts, Bangladesh and Pakistan,” Revanth said after paying tributes to the statue of Rajiv Gandhi on the occasion of his death anniversary, also observed as National Anti-Terrorism Day.After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the entire country, including Congress top leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and party cadres, stood in total support of PM Modi to teach Pakistan a permanent lesson. But the Centre did not utilise this opportunity, Revanth claimed, and added, “The announcement by Trump about ceasefire made people believe that India succumbed to the US President’s threat of trade implications.”“Had the Modi government gone ahead and crushed terrorism, defeated Pakistan and given India a victory, the world would have welcomed and praised him. Morally, the BJP has the responsibility to explain to the people on this issue. They (BJP) have started criticising Rahul Gandhi only to hide their inefficiency. Even the rallies being conducted by the BJP on the streets for Operation Sindoor is to hide their inefficiency.The people of the country have seen what has happened so far and they will decide. An inspiration should be taken from Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi who gave their lives for the integrity of the country,” CM Revanth said.However, the CM made it clear that the Congress will not indulge in politics when it comes to the country’s security, integrity, and protecting the lives of citizens, and has clarity that it will extend total support to the Centre on this issue. “The Congress achieved independence for the country and it is the responsibility of the party to protect the country and extend support for the cause.”Revanth also criticised Union Minister G Kishan Reddy for making allegations against Rahul Gandhi. “As the CM, I led a candle light and Tiranga rally with thousands of people in support of PM Modi and our armed forces. But Kishan Reddy was in the comforts of his house (was sleeping in his home Revanth said) instead of standing with us in support of the Modi government and our armed forces,” the CM alleged.