Why spew venom on LoP Rahul Gandhi? Revanth asks BJP

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, along with his cabinet colleagues and organisers of the Bharat Summit, addressing the media in Hyderabad on Friday (November 13, 2026). | Photo Credit: Handout Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy questioned the BJP’s criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the Bharat Summit, wondering why the party was “spewing venom” against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha when he was coming to participate in discussions on important issues.Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Mr. Revanth Reddy said the BJP should welcome Mr. Gandhi in a democratic spirit and use the international platform to share its views rather than oppose his participation or blindly brand him anti-national.By denying visas to journalists who questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Reddy said such acts showed India in a poor light. “Journalists ask questions, and one has the right to respond or not, but not to block them,” he reminded.Mr Revanth Reddy said portraying the Leader of the Opposition as anti-national was a new political phenomenon and recalled the tradition of successive governments involving Opposition leaders in important international engagements.Recalling that the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had sent the then Opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee abroad as part of an Indian delegation recognising the importance of representing the country beyond party affiliations.Questioning the BJP’s stand, Mr. Revanth Reddy said it was ironic that the party supported international engagements involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but objected to the participation of the Leader of the Opposition in an international conference.“Democracy allows you to debate, discuss and resolve issues. In a dictatorship, only one person is considered right and assumed to know everything. In a democracy, different opinions are discussed, and the best practices are adopted,” he said, in an apparent reference to Mr. Modi.The Chief Minister also objected to the BJP’s reported plans to display black flags during Mr. Gandhi’s visit to Hyderabad on Saturday. He said Congress workers had faced several political challenges in the past and would not be deterred by such protests.The ongoing Bharat Summit intended to provide a platform for global discussions on democracy, international affairs, climate change and development, besides showcasing Telangana as an investment destination. The participants will be Ambassadors of Telangana promotion, he argued. Published - November 13, 2026 08:04 pm IST