G Kishan Reddy Slams Rahul Gandhi as 'Traitor' While Highlighting BJP's Economic Achievements and Bihar Election Strategy

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has labeled Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi as speaking "irresponsibly" and being viewed as a 'traitor' in an exclusive interview with NDTV. The senior BJP leader criticized Gandhi for consistently raising allegations about vote theft, claiming that even Congress members struggle to comprehend these accusations.

"As Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi's behavior appears treasonous because he fails to speak responsibly. Why does he attack the Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Prime Minister? His statements are completely irresponsible and politically motivated. No responsible leader would make such comments," Reddy stated firmly.

Reddy emphasized that India is a developing nation striving to overcome poverty, and if Gandhi cannot support this progress, he should remain silent. "What Gandhi is doing amounts to treason," he added.

Regarding the Bihar elections, the BJP remains optimistic. However, Reddy expressed concern about senior opposition leaders campaigning in Bihar after previously insulting its residents. He specifically targeted Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, questioning, "How dare they visit Bihar to ask for votes?" He noted that these leaders would realize their hypocrisy if they traveled more widely, as they have previously referred to Biharis as "toilet cleaners."

The Union Minister urged Bihar's citizens to challenge these leaders about their insulting remarks that damage the state's dignity. "Bihar has contributed significantly to serving the country. We cannot accept any insults directed at them. Claiming that a 'Bihar mafia' is exploiting Telangana represents a political conspiracy. Bihar's people must now recognize these leaders' true nature," he asserted.

Reddy also condemned opposition leaders' alleged derogatory comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother, describing them as "completely beyond tolerance."

Addressing Asaduddin Owaisi, who has maintained distance from both BJP and Opposition alliances, Reddy claimed he lacks substantive issues to raise. He stated that the BJP remains the only party confronting AIMIM and its policies, vowing never to compromise with them. "The Majlis Party has positioned itself between Congress and BRS, with connections to both," he observed.

On language politics, Reddy, who hails from Telangana, expressed confusion about Tamil Nadu political parties' issues with Hindi. He claimed DMK and Congress raise anti-Hindi rhetoric during elections, despite Hindi films being popular in Tamil Nadu and dubbed Tamil films finding audiences nationwide.

Reddy suggested that after Tamil, Hindi is the second most understood language in Tamil Nadu, even ahead of English. "Having been with the BJP since 1980 and traveled extensively across India, I found Hindi was universally understood from villages to cities. That's why I prioritized it," he explained, while emphasizing the importance of mother tongues.

Regarding economic concerns, Reddy maintained that inflation has not become an electoral issue under Modi's leadership. "Our government has effectively controlled inflation and enhanced purchasing power. We have elevated 250 million people above the poverty line," he stated.

The minister praised recent GST reforms as universally beneficial, noting their positive impact on purchases ranging from clothing and mobile phones to vegetables. He emphasized that periodic changes are necessary for continuous improvement.

"We have substantial room for progress. We're advancing healthcare, expanding airports, and implementing initiatives that benefit the entire country. We're improving railways and road infrastructure while reducing inflation," Reddy elaborated.

As head of the Mines ministry, Reddy announced plans to establish a National Coal Exchange to ensure transparency and control coal prices. This would provide fixed pricing for government entities, private investors, and industries requiring coal.

He dismissed rumors of Coal India disinvestment plans for this year and denied any coal shortage, stating that companies maintain at least a 24-day stockpile. "Despite continuous rainfall and significant disruptions affecting electricity producers, there has never been a coal shortage. Power companies face no supply problems as everyone has sufficient coal," he concluded.