Sridhar Babu Hits Back at BJP Criticism over Rahul Gandhi’s Summit Participation
The Minister emphasized that Rahul Gandhi has been formally invited by the Telangana government in his constitutional capacity as the Leader of the Opposition
Hyderabad: Telangana Minister for Information Technology and Industries, D Sridhar Babu strongly countered the recent criticism from the BJP regarding the participation of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Bharat Summit. He emphasized the global significance of the summit and the Telangana government's commitment to democratic values and worker welfare.
Addressing the media on Friday morning at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) on the sidelines of the inaugural session of the Bharat Summit international conclave, he dismissed the allegations that the event is a platform to promote Rahul Gandhi.
Sridhar Babu stated that a leader of his global stature requires no artificial publicity. He noted that the BJP’s remarks stem from political malice and envy, adding that citizens across the nation look toward Rahul Gandhi with hope to restore democratic institutions weakened under the NDA regime.
Clarifying the protocol, the Minister emphasized that Rahul Gandhi has been formally invited by the Telangana government in his constitutional capacity as the Leader of the Opposition. "Attempting to politicize a constitutional office is clear evidence of the political bankruptcy of BJP leaders," he remarked.
Highlighting Telangana’s progressive governance, the Minister pointed out that the state is among the few in India to enact dedicated legislation for the safety and social security of gig workers.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with gig workers during the summit to offer them guidance. Sridhar Babu condemned the BJP leadership’s dismissive attitude toward gig workers, stating that looking down upon self-employed youth who stand on their own feet exposes a "cheap mentality."
The Minister asserted that if Rahul Gandhi had ever desired power, he could have assumed the Prime Minister's office long before Narendra Modi. "He has no lust for power. For the Nehru-Gandhi family, the progress of the nation is paramount, not ornamental titles. Leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi laid down their lives for this country," he said.
Sridhar Babu questioned the ruling party’s understanding of national sacrifice, noting that neither the BJP nor its parent organization participated in the freedom struggle, and none of the erstwhile Jana Sangh or RSS leaders spent a single day in jail for India’s independence.
The Minister reiterated that the Congress party, under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, is actively fighting to safeguard the Indian Constitution. He warned top BJP leaders that labeling young citizens as anti-nationals while ignoring their aspirations will soon backfire.
"The youth will demonstrate their collective strength and teach a fitting lesson to those trampling upon constitutional rights. A change of power at the Centre is inevitable in the upcoming elections," he stated, adding that public discontent against the NDA is mounting and that divisive, communal politics will no longer be tolerated by an aware electorate.
