Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday (September 17) asserted that India will not take 'dictation' or 'bow' before any other country, but will 'write its own script'. He reiterated that 'Operation Sindoor' -- launched in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir -- was only paused and would resume if another such attack reoccurs.

Mr. Singh noted that while many have claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following the operation, Pakistan's own top officials have admitted to rejecting any third-party intervention -- an indirect reference to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Drawing a parallel between the Telangana armed struggle against the Nizam's militia, the Razakars, and 'Operation Sindoor', he emphasized that the Indian Armed Forces targeted terror bases based on their actions, not religion. In contrast, terrorists from Pakistan killed innocent tourists in Pahalgam after checking their religion. He also said that the family of terrorist leader Masood Azhar was reportedly killed in the missile strikes.

He remarked that had the Nizam adhered to the 'Standstill Agreement' and accepted integration into the country earlier, bloodshed could have been avoided.

The Defence Minister was the chief guest at the Telangana/Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations held at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism & Culture on Wednesday (September 17). He hoisted the national flag, took the salute during the march past by central armed forces and unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Secunderabad Cantonment Park.

The day commemorates 'Operation Polo', the 'Police action' led by India's first Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in September 1948 to liberate the Hyderabad region -- comprising Telangana, parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka -- from the Nizam's rule.

Mr. Singh paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed struggle and lauded Sardar Patel's role in unifying and strengthening the country amid post-partition riots. He noted that Patel's contribution was acknowledged by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been following Sardar Patel's path, and his decisive actions reflect India's desire for peace and friendship, while also showing strength against forces that threaten social harmony. Criticizing previous governments for ignoring the significance of the day due to 'appeasement politics', he praised the Modi government for commemorating the event and honouring freedom fighters.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy questioned why Telangana does not officially celebrate the day, unlike Karnataka and Maharashtra. He promised that the day would be celebrated in every village if his party, the BJP, comes to power in the next elections.

Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Culture & Tourism) and Bandi Sanjay Kumar (State for Home) also addressed the gathering. The speakers also extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Modi. Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao, Malakajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, former Himachal Pradesh Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, and other dignitaries were present.

India will not take dictation or bow before any country, says Defence Minister; draws parallels with anti-terror 'Operation Sindoor' & Telangana liberation