Telangana CM Revanth Reddy faces sharp criticism from BJP for questioning PM Modi on Rafale jets allegedly shot down during Operation Sindoor, igniting a political firestorm.
Hyderabad: On May 30, 2025, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy stirred controversy by demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclose how many Rafale jets were shot down by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the ‘Jai Hind’ rally in Hyderabad on May 29, Reddy’s remarks drew a fierce rebuttal from the BJP, escalating tensions between the Congress and the ruling party.
Reddy Questions Modi’s Leadership and Transparency
Reddy accused Modi of lacking transparency, questioning why an all-party meeting was not convened before the May 10 ceasefire with Pakistan, despite one being held prior to Operation Sindoor. He alleged that Rafale jets, procured through contracts worth thousands of crores awarded to Modi’s associates, were shot down by Pakistan, yet no official account was provided. Reddy further criticized Modi for failing to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and separate Balochistan, claiming that if Rahul Gandhi were PM, PoK would have been reintegrated into India.
BJP Slams Reddy’s ‘Anti-National’ Stance
The BJP’s Telangana unit condemned Reddy, accusing him of echoing Pakistan’s narrative by calling it “Mana Pakistan” (Our Pakistan) during the rally. In a post on X, the party stated, “From questioning Surgical Strikes and Balakot to mocking our armed forces, standing against India is in Congress’s DNA.” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra labeled Reddy and other Congress leaders as “Babbar of Pakistan,” while Amit Malviya criticized the timing of such questions, urging unity. The BJP mockingly advised Reddy to “stick to Miss World photo ops,” referring to his recent public appearances, and asserted that national security was beyond his purview.
Claims of Rafale Losses: Fact vs. Fiction
Reddy’s claim that Pakistan shot down Rafale jets remains unsubstantiated. On May 7, posts on X from accounts like @PTVNewsOfficial and @ODA_Foxtrot claimed Pakistan downed three Rafales, but Indian authorities, including the Press Information Bureau, debunked these as misinformation, confirming no aircraft losses. A May 18 post by @TheNavroopSingh cited a French expert who clarified that Pakistan misidentified a Mirage 2000 tank in its claims. Meanwhile, a May 22 post by @SinghPramod2784 stated that the Indian Air Force shot down 8 F-16s and 4 JF-17s during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s Rafale jets.
Reddy’s Broader Critique of Modi’s Foreign Policy
Reddy also accused Modi of succumbing to external pressure, noting that US President Donald Trump claimed he intervened to stop the India-Pakistan conflict. He contrasted Modi’s leadership with that of Indira Gandhi, who, Reddy said, defeated China in 1967 and created Bangladesh in 1971 despite US threats. Reddy further alleged that China encroached on 4,000 sq km of Indian land, criticizing Modi’s silence on the issue. He highlighted Congress’s support for national security, stating that leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi backed the government during the conflict.
Political and Strategic Context
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoK following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation’s success, including the destruction of Rahim Yar Khan airbase, was hailed by Modi on May 22 in Bikaner. However, Reddy’s remarks reflect growing political friction, with Congress accusing the BJP of using military operations for political gain. A May 20 BBC report noted that Pakistan’s Chinese-made jets were battle-tested during the conflict, but experts like Professor Walter Ladwig from King’s College, London, said claims of Chinese jets outperforming Rafales were inconclusive.
Public and Party Reactions
Reddy’s comments have polarized opinions. Congress supporters at the rally echoed his call for transparency, while BJP leaders accused him of undermining the armed forces’ morale. The controversy has reignited debates on the Rafale deal, with opposition parties historically questioning its cost and transparency. A May 17 report by Hindustan Times noted that the Indian Air Force used dummy aircraft to disable Pakistan’s air defenses during Operation Sindoor, showcasing strategic innovation, yet political narratives continue to dominate the discourse.