Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and senior Congress leaders paid floral tributes at the Rajiv Gandhi statue in front of the State Secretariat in Hyderabad on Wednesday (May 21, 2025)
| Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, along with senior Congress leaders, paid floral tributes at the Rajiv Gandhi statue opposite to State Secretariat in Hyderabad on the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister. The Chief Minister described him as the architect of modern India, paving the way for the Information Technology (IT) revolution in the country.

He said Rajiv Gandhi shaped young India, giving the power of the vote to 18-year-olds. The introduction of computers in administration and allowing youngsters to enter the power corridors helped India achieve its global image today. Rajiv Gandhi laid down his life fighting the terrorists and its ideology, said Mr. Reddy.

Questions Modi Govt’s foreign policy

The Chief Minister, in a sharp critique of the Central government’s handling of the recent Pahalgam terror incident leading to conflict with Pakistan, said people remembered how Indira Gandhi handled the external threats.

Indira Gandhi never allowed the interference of foreign powers in India’s affairs, even during conflict and war situations. She made it clear that India needed no foreign mediation to protect itself during the 1971 war, the Chief Minister remarked and contrasted with the current situation when US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. “Is this the foreign policy of a sovereign nation?,” he asked.

Mr. Reddy took a direct swipe at Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, accusing him of inaction during a critical time. “When the situation demanded unity and strength, Kishan Reddy was nowhere to be seen. We, on the other hand, came forward and stood by the Centre, offering our full support. Yet, he is busy criticising Rahul Gandhi to mask his failures,” he said.

Referring to the earlier criticism over the installation of Rajiv Gandhi’s statue in front of the new Secretariat, Mr. Reddy defended the decision saying, “Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed his life for the nation. Some narrow-minded individuals may question his legacy, but the history of sacrifice for the country belongs to the Gandhi family and the Congress party.”

The Chief Minister also made it clear that national integrity or security was not a political issue for the Congress and it would always stand with the armed forces. “It is a solemn responsibility and we will work not for political gain but for the safety and unity of India.”