Political Controversy Erupts in Telangana Over Chief Minister's Remarks on Hindu Deities

Political Controversy in Telangana

A political uproar has emerged in Telangana following comments made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding Hindu deities during an internal Congress meeting. His remarks, which went viral, drew sharp criticism from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, while addressing the newly appointed District Congress Committee (DCC) chief and other senior leaders, Reddy spoke informally about the diversity of beliefs within the party and the presence of numerous deities in Hinduism. He noted that Hinduism recognizes approximately three crore deities, each associated with different occasions and circumstances.

The BJP condemned Reddy's statements, accusing Congress of fostering hatred against Hindus akin to the ideology of the 'Muslim League.' During the executive meeting of the ruling Congress in Telangana, Reddy emphasized the party's inclusive nature, stating that it accommodates individuals with varying viewpoints. He likened the party's structure to Hinduism, where devotees worship multiple deities.

Reddy remarked, “Hindus have countless deities, around three crore. There are deities for unmarried individuals and others for those who marry multiple times.” BJP Rajya Sabha member and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi labeled Reddy's comments as disrespectful to Hindu deities, accusing Congress of aligning with a 'Muslim League-Maoist' ideology.

Speaking to reporters at the BJP headquarters, Trivedi stated, “Congress has crossed the line by tarnishing the constitutional framework with an urban naxal mindset, and spreading hatred against Hinduism is part of the 'Muslim League' agenda.” He emphasized that such statements are intolerable, adding, “Recently, Reddy claimed that Congress means Muslims and Muslims mean Congress. We have no objection if you align with the Muslim community, but disrespecting Hindu deities is unacceptable.”

Trivedi also criticized Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for advising school children not to greet him with 'Radhe-Radhe,' which he deemed an insult to Hindu deities. He shared a video where children greeted Sukhu with 'Radhe-Radhe,' to which he questioned the necessity of such greetings.

He further questioned whether Congress and Rahul Gandhi are promoting an agenda to eradicate Hinduism, asking if directives have been issued to their chief ministers to attack Indian culture and Hindu deities directly.

Trivedi pointed out a statement from Congress MP Imran Masood, who allegedly supported comments made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) chief Maulana Mahmood Madani regarding 'jihad,' indicating how far the opposition party has advanced its 'Muslim League agenda.' He recalled that Masood had previously made controversial remarks about Prime Minister Modi.

Trivedi urged Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether Congress intends to welcome individuals who promote hatred and communal tensions into the party.

Another BJP spokesperson, Sambit Patra, referred to Reddy as Congress's 'ATM,' asserting that his remarks about Hindu deities were not only objectionable but also disgusting. He expressed that such comments reveal the deep-seated animosity towards Hindus within Congress.

Patra stated, “Do you not understand yet, Reddy? Congress is fragmented, and despite this, you spew venom against Lord Hanuman, Shiva, and Vishnu. The party will face consequences for this.” He ominously warned that Lord Hanuman would bring destruction to Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Trivedi also criticized Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury for her dismissive response to media inquiries about a proposal to bring a privilege motion against her for allegedly bringing a dog into the Parliament premises. He condemned both Reddy's comments and Chowdhury's reaction as 'extremely condemnable.'