Hyderabad – T Jagga Reddy, working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), spoke out on Monday about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, drawing comparisons to the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1971 war.
Speaking at Gandhi Bhavan, Jagga Reddy said that Indira Gandhi’s bold decisions during the war had earned global respect. He praised her for showing strength and unity, even under international pressure.
“Indira Gandhi never attacked the opposition, even in wartime,” he said. “She stood firm when the United States tried to pressure India to stop the war. She made it clear that India’s decisions belong to its people, not foreign powers. Eventually, Pakistan had to surrender, and her strong leadership was admired everywhere.”
He reminded reporters that Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a senior BJP leader and former Prime Minister, once called Indira Gandhi “Apara Kali” — a fierce goddess — in recognition of her fearless leadership.
Jagga Reddy also shared personal memories. “When I was young, I attended RSS shakhas, but even in my home, my mother placed Indira Gandhi’s photo next to the image of Goddess Durga. We worshipped both with equal respect. That’s the kind of impact she had on people across religions and castes,” he said.
Turning to current politics, he criticized Eatala Rajender for making harsh remarks against Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the Congress Party. He challenged Eatala to explain his use of offensive language and warned him to speak responsibly.
“We will not stay silent when anyone insults our leaders,” he said firmly. “Every word spoken against Revanth Reddy or the Congress will be answered.”
Jagga Reddy’s remarks reflected both nostalgia for a strong past leader and a stern message for political rivals in today’s heated Telangana politics.
