Telangana CM Revanth Reddy slams BJP over arrest of Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi
Synopsis
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has gone on the offensive after BJP-led authorities detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs, likening the crackdown to British colonial-era arrests of freedom fighters and branding the BJP the 'British Janata Party.' Congress is simultaneously pressing for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation — signalling this is about far more than a single protest.
Key Takeaways
Revanth Reddy condemned the detention of Rahul Gandhi , Priyanka Gandhi Vadra , and other INDIA bloc MPs on 7 October as 'unlawful' and 'undemocratic.' Reddy compared the arrests to the British colonial government's detention of freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel .
He referred to the BJP as the 'British Janata Party' in a pointed rhetorical attack.
Congress has vowed to continue its agitation against alleged Election Commission of India irregularities.
The party is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar .
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday, 7 October condemned the detention and arrest of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several MPs from the Congress and INDIA bloc partners, calling it a reflection of the 'hubris of a failing government.' Reddy described the action as 'unlawful' and 'undemocratic,' asserting that it would only strengthen the opposition's resolve.
Revanth Reddy's Charge Against the BJP
The Telangana Chief Minister argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is 'afraid of Rahul Gandhi's leadership' and his campaign to protect India's Constitution and the voting rights of citizens. Reddy drew a sharp historical parallel, invoking the colonial era to frame his criticism.
'The British Government also arrested Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Pundit Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose and other leaders at different times of our freedom struggle on similarly flimsy grounds,' he said in a statement.
The 'British Janata Party' Barb
Going further, Reddy coined a pointed rhetorical jab — referring to the BJP as the 'British Janata Party.' He declared that the arrests would not deter the opposition. 'The British Janata Party (BJP) can rest assured; we are not going away from our determination and resolve to stake everything for the sake of the country. India shall fight till its last ounce of ability, and till democratic forces led by Rahul Gandhi triumph,' he said.
Congress Demands CEC Resignation
Reddy also linked the arrests to a broader Congress agitation against the Election Commission of India (ECI). He asserted that the party would not halt its fight against what it characterises as irregularities by the ECI. He declared that the Congress would not rest until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns over the alleged irregularities. The CM noted that 'arrests, imprisonment, and lathi-charges are nothing new for the Gandhi family and Congress leaders,' framing the crackdown as consistent with historical patterns of political suppression.
Opposition's Vow to Continue the Struggle
Notably, Reddy stressed that millions of citizens — 'especially youth' — have joined what Congress describes as a struggle to protect voting rights and democratic institutions, arguing that such mass participation makes the movement resilient to state action. He characterised the forcible arrest of leaders engaged in what he called 'peaceful agitation' as a step the government will come to regret politically. All eyes will now be on whether the INDIA bloc escalates its protests and whether the arrests draw further condemnation from state governments led by opposition parties.
Point of View
But the underlying question — whether the Election Commission's conduct merits this level of street agitation — deserves independent examination. If the CEC does not address the specific irregularities Congress has catalogued, demands for his resignation will only grow louder across the opposition spectrum.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi arrested?
According to Congress, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other INDIA bloc MPs were detained while participating in a peaceful protest against alleged irregularities by the Election Commission of India. The BJP-led government has not publicly detailed the grounds for the detentions as reported.
What did Telangana CM Revanth Reddy say about the arrests?
Revanth Reddy called the arrests 'unlawful' and 'undemocratic,' saying they reflect the 'hubris of a failing government.' He drew a parallel with British colonial-era arrests of freedom fighters and coined the phrase 'British Janata Party' to describe the BJP.
What is Congress's demand regarding the Election Commission?
Congress is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities. Revanth Reddy stated the party would not halt its agitation until Kumar steps down.
Who else was detained along with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi?
According to reports, several other MPs from Congress and INDIA bloc partner parties from both Houses of Parliament were also detained alongside Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on 7 October.
What historical comparison did Revanth Reddy draw?
Revanth Reddy compared the arrests to the British colonial government's detention of freedom fighters — including Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, and Subhash Chandra Bose — arguing the grounds in both cases were 'similarly flimsy.'
