Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Slams BJP Over Religious Politics
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has stirred a fresh political controversy by accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting religious icons for electoral gains. Speaking at a private media event in New Delhi, Reddy targeted the ideological framework of the ruling party, stating that diverse cultural traditions in the country are being forcibly funneled through a single political narrative.
Reddy asserted that as people of Dravidian heritage, they possess rich and distinct cultural traditions that cannot be dictated by a monolithic political ideology. He emphasized that faith is a personal and deeply spiritual matter, but it is increasingly being converted into a tool for polarization by political outfits.
'BJP Has Appropriated Lord Ram for Political Symbolism'
Elaborating on his critique, the Telangana Chief Minister alleged that the BJP has effectively 'appropriated' Lord Ram, turning him into a political symbol rather than treating him as an object of universal devotion. He argued that Lord Ram resides in the hearts of millions across the nation, yet a specific political faction attempts to claim exclusive copyright over his name.
Challenging the public rhetoric of BJP leaders, Reddy questioned why they exclusively raise certain slogans while conspicuously avoiding others. He asked whether the public has ever heard these leaders chant 'Har Har Mahadev' on major public platforms, noting that invoking Lord Shiva seems to make them uncomfortable.
Contrasting Deities: The Poor Versus the Elite
In a provocative comparison, Reddy linked Lord Shiva with the marginalized and the poor, contrasting it with what he termed as the corporate-style politics associated with the BJP's narrative. He described the BJP as a party of the elite and the affluent, suggesting that their religious messaging is carefully calibrated to suit corporate interests rather than the welfare of the common masses.
"As the Chief Minister of Telangana, possessing sacred sites like Vemulawada and Bhadrachalam, Revanth Reddy should know better than to divide Lord Ram and Lord Shiva along regional and political lines." — Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union Minister
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar retaliated fiercely on social media, accusing Reddy of attempting to divide Hindu deities for petty political survival. The exchange highlights the intensifying ideological battleground over cultural identity in Indian politics.
