Hyderabad: Telangana Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar launched a blistering critique of the BJP-led Central government on Thursday, accusing it of failing to uphold national security and bowing to foreign pressure after the recent terror strike in Pahalgam.
Addressing a packed gathering at the Jai Hind Yatra in Nizampet, Ponnam Prabhakar said the government’s retreat after the Pahalgam attack, allegedly in response to a tweet from former US President Donald Trump, had deeply wounded the nation’s pride. “This isn’t diplomacy—it’s disgrace. It’s an insult to the people’s self-respect,” he said.
He contrasted this with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s unequivocal stand. “Rahul ji made it clear—we will stand with the government for any strong step to defend the country. But what did Modi do? He stopped operations midway,” Prabhakar said.
Ponnam Prabhakar didn’t hold back on the BJP’s optics. He accused the ruling party of hiding behind patriotic displays like Tiranga Yatras while failing to deliver real security. “You can’t cover up cowardice with flags. When innocent civilians are being killed on the borders, where is that famous 56-inch chest?” he asked.
Drawing a sharp contrast with previous governments, Ponnam Prabhakar said the BJP had no moral ground to remain silent now. “They used to attack Dr Manmohan Singh for far less. Today, they can’t even answer for bloodshed on Indian soil,” he said.
The minister framed the Jai Hind Yatra as a truth-telling campaign aimed at exposing the Centre’s political exploitation of national tragedies, including Pulwama. “Behind every tall promise is a failure they’re desperate to hide,” he alleged.
He also took aim at the Modi government’s international positioning. “What’s the use of photo-ops abroad when our soldiers and citizens are left unprotected at home?” he said.
గతంలో పుల్వామా, మరో సంఘటన రాజకీయంగా వాడుకుంటూ పబ్బంగడుపుతున్న సందర్భంలో వాస్తవాలను దేశ ప్రజలకు చెప్పాలని జై హింద్ యాత్ర జరుగుతుంది pic.twitter.com/3rXt84R0AK
— Ponnam Prabhakar (@Ponnam_INC) May 29, 2025
