Pahalgam civilians targeted for their dharma, terrorists killed for their karma: Rajnath in Hyderabad

Singh was speaking at an event that was organised as part of the 128th birth anniversary celebrations of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju. Singh pointed out that the patience and restraint shown by the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor was similar to the qualities of Raju, who made an invaluable contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

Calling him a warrior-saint, the minister said Raju’s “moral clarity and grassroots leadership” are unparalleled. “His guerrilla resistance, despite limited resources, remains a shining example of courage driven by principle. He taught us that standing up against injustice is not just a right; it is the nation’s dharma,” he said. “His life was not just one of bravery, but of unity.”

Singh also pointed out the Union government’s vision for tribal empowerment and said that it echoes the tribal warrior’s lifelong mission to uplift the most marginalised sections. He mentioned recent government initiatives, including the PM Tribal Development Mission, Skill India, and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Campaign, and described them as “tangible steps towards mainstreaming tribal communities with dignity and opportunity, not charity”.

“From being denied basic rights during colonial rule to becoming the guardians of sustainable growth today, our tribal brothers and sisters have come a long way, and we are committed to walking alongside them,” he said.