Hyderabad witnessed a fresh political storm on Tuesday as Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made remarks comparing the internal diversity of the Congress party to the multitude of worship practices within Hinduism. His comments, made during a state Congress executive meeting, have ignited a fierce backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Controversial Analogy on Diversity
Addressing party leaders, CM Revanth Reddy sought to highlight the inclusive nature of the Congress by drawing a parallel with Hindu religious practices. He stated that the party accommodates all types of individuals, much like the Hindu faith accommodates various forms of devotion. "The Congress takes along all types of individuals. One says he will worship Lord Venkateswara, another says he will worship Hanuman," he said, according to a PTI report.
He elaborated further, pointing to the variety in Hindu worship. "How many gods are there for Hindus? Three crores? There is Hanuman for those who are not married. There is another god for those who marry twice. There are local deities where toddy and non-vegetarian food are served during certain events and there are gods worshipped by those who eat 'dal rice' (vegetarians)," the Chief Minister explained.
Political Context and Immediate Backlash
The CM's comments came against a backdrop of reported unease within the Congress over the appointment of new District Congress Committee (DCC) chiefs. The analogy was intended to suggest that achieving consensus on leaders is as challenging as agreeing on deities.
However, the remarks were swiftly condemned by BJP leaders in the state. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy accused CM Reddy of making "arrogant comments against Hindus and Hindu gods and goddesses" due to his alliance with the AIMIM. He also referenced the CM's earlier statement during the Jubilee Hills bypoll that "Congress means Muslims and Muslims mean Congress." Kishan Reddy declared, "The time has come for Hindus to unite in Telangana also. The time has come to show the power of Hindus to Revanth Reddy and Congress party."
Senior BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar joined the criticism, urging Hindu society to unite. "Hindu society should think now whether they want to face insults by remaining divided or show their power by ensuring unity. BJP never insults other religions. BJP respects all religions," he stated.
Escalation and Planned Protests
The political row has escalated rapidly. Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao announced that the party would hold protests across the state on December 3. The demonstrations will include the burning of effigies to condemn the Chief Minister's statements.
This incident underscores the heightened political sensitivities in Telangana and sets the stage for renewed confrontations between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. The controversy has shifted focus to issues of religious sentiment and political rhetoric, potentially influencing the state's political discourse in the coming days.
