The unveiling of ‘Donald Trump Street’ in Hyderabad has sparked a political row, with the BJP accusing the Congress of contradicting its criticism of the US president.
A celebratory plaque renaming the road adjacent to the US Consulate in Hyderabad as ‘Donald Trump Avenue’ was unveiled on Tuesday during the ‘Freedom 250’ celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The plaque was jointly unveiled by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at an event attended by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, US Consul General Laura Williams, diplomats, government officials and industry leaders.
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This special designation by the Government of Telangana is a tribute to the United States and reflects Hyderabad’s growing role in strengthening Indo-US engagement.
Thanking the Government of Telangana for this initiative, Ambassador Gaur said that this gesture reflects the strong partnership championed by President Trump.
“We are extremely grateful to the government of Telangana for the generous honor of naming Donald Trump Boulevard, a gesture that reflects the kind of strong and respectful partnership that President Trump has championed for America,” he said.
The Ambassador also highlighted Hyderabad’s growing importance in Indo-US relations, especially in sectors such as aviation, defence, and technology.
Deputy Prime Minister Vikramaraka said Hyderabad has emerged as one of India’s strongest bridges with the United States.
“As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of freedom, Hyderabad is proud to be one of India’s strongest bridges with America,” he said.
BJP attacks Congress for honoring Trump
The renaming of the road quickly drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which pointed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s past criticism of Trump and US policies.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wondered why the Congress government was honoring Trump after Rahul Gandhi accused the US president of working against Indian interests.
“Rahul ki hypocrisy pro max. Rahul Gandhi says President Trump is hurting Indian interests. So why is his government in Telangana paying last tribute to him by renaming a road after him?” Poonawalla wrote on X.
He also criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, alleging that the Telangana leader had previously ignored Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Adani Group.
“So Revanth Reddy is not taking Rahul Baba seriously? He did the same when Rahul was chanting Adani Adani… He went and entered into an MoU with the Adani Group,” Poonawalla said.
BJP leaders cited Rahul Gandhi’s previous criticism of US President Donald Trump and the Indo-US trade deal to question the Telangana government’s decision.
Earlier this year, Gandhi attacked the Center over the trade pact, alleging that the Narendra Modi government had harmed national interests and made too many concessions in negotiations with the Trump administration. He also urged the US to “talk to us as equals” and accused the government of failing to adequately protect India’s economic interests in the deal.
(With inputs from PTI)
