CM Revanth Reddy Credits Congress Longevity to Internal Freedom, Sparks Controversy
Revanth Reddy's 'Freedom in Congress' Remark Draws Criticism

Telangana Chief Minister and state Congress chief Revanth Reddy has stirred the political pot with pointed remarks about his party's endurance and the fate of others. Speaking at a key meeting in Hyderabad, Reddy credited the Congress party's survival for 140 years to the internal freedom it allows its members.

The Core Argument: Freedom as a Lifeline

During the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) executive meeting held on December 2, 2025, CM Revanth Reddy presented a robust defense of his party's culture. He argued that the democratic space within the Congress organization is its fundamental strength. "Because there is freedom in the Congress, the party has existed for 140 years," Reddy stated emphatically.

He extended his argument by suggesting a counterfactual. The Chief Minister claimed that without such liberty for expression and debate, the Indian National Congress would have met the same fate as several other political entities that have shut down over the years. He specifically named the Janata Party as an example, implying that a lack of internal democracy led to its dissolution.

Controversy Erupts Over Accompanying Remarks

While the official ANI tweet highlighted Reddy's comments on political freedom, the event quickly escalated into a controversy. A reaction from BRS leader Rakesh Reddy Anugula accused the Chief Minister of making disparaging remarks about Hindu deities. Anugula's post on X claimed that mocking Hindu gods had become a "fashion" and expressed dismay that a person holding the office of Chief Minister would speak in a manner that hurts the sentiments of millions of Hindus.

This counter-narrative, alleging that Revanth Reddy "mocked gods," added a volatile religious dimension to the political discourse originating from the TPCC meeting. The BRS leader's post framed the CM's comments as unfortunate and damaging to public sentiment.

Political Repercussions and Analysis

The dual narratives from the same event have set the stage for a heated political clash in Telangana. On one hand, CM Reddy's comments are a clear attempt to position the Congress as a mature, democratic institution in contrast to what he implies are more autocratic or unstable regional parties. This is a strategic message aimed at both party workers and the electorate, reinforcing institutional stability.

On the other hand, the swift allegation from the BRS camp indicates the opposition's strategy to pivot the conversation towards issues of faith and cultural respect. This move is likely designed to put the Chief Minister on the defensive and mobilize public opinion on emotive grounds. The development underscores the highly charged and multi-layered nature of political debate in the state, where governance, party history, and cultural identity often intersect explosively.

The fallout from the TPCC executive meeting remarks is still unfolding, with potential for further clarification from the Chief Minister's office or escalated responses from political and social groups. The incident highlights the delicate balance politicians must maintain while critiquing political structures in a diverse and sensitive social landscape.