Controversy Erupts as Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy Draws Hitler Inspiration for HYDRAA

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has stirred controversy by claiming that he drew inspiration from Adolf Hitler when naming the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, including the BRS and BJP, who have condemned his comments as dangerous and reminiscent of oppressive regimes. Reddy's initiative aims to combat illegal encroachments on lakes and water bodies, but his choice of words has led to calls for an apology and raised questions about the implications of his statements. The political fallout continues as both sides engage in a heated exchange over the CM's controversial remarks.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2026, 16:58 IST

Political Fallout from Controversial Remarks

Hyderabad: The comments made by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, where he claimed to have taken inspiration from Adolf Hitler for naming the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), have ignited a political storm, drawing sharp criticism from both the BRS and BJP.

During an event in Bengaluru on Saturday, Reddy explained that the establishment of HYDRAA was prompted by the rampant encroachment of lakes and water bodies.

He remarked, "While I can understand the encroachment of lakes by the underprivileged, it is now the affluent who are taking over these water bodies for their farmhouses and linking their drainage systems to them. I have observed these issues closely, which led me to form a task force—HYDRAA."

Reddy further stated, "Hydra is a term favored by Hitler. His inner circle was referred to as Hydra, known for their lethal efficiency. Thus, I drew inspiration from Hitler for naming this initiative."

The Chief Minister noted that HYDRAA was set up with a senior IPS officer appointed as its Commissioner.

In popular culture, Hydra is depicted as a fictional organization from Marvel Comics, associated with Nazi Germany during World War II.

In response to Reddy's statements, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy took to social media platform 'X', criticizing the Congress party for its 'dangerous' mindset reminiscent of Hitler's era.

He accused Reddy of boasting about his Hitler-inspired initiative and likening his demolitions in Hyderabad to those in conflict-ridden nations like Iran and Israel, mirroring the rhetoric of his leader Rahul Gandhi.

Kishan Reddy demanded an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister, asserting that the Congress party has a history of suppressing dissent, from the Emergency period to the present.

The BRS also condemned Reddy's remarks on 'X', labeling him as the 'new Hitler' and alleging that the homes of countless poor individuals have been destroyed.

The Telangana government launched HYDRAA in July 2024 to safeguard government properties, including lakes, from illegal encroachments and activities.

The agency has been actively involved in operations to clear encroachments and has demolished numerous structures deemed illegal.