Mumbai: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday turned a jibe by the BJP into a political statement, embracing the label “Revanthuddin” and projecting it as a symbol of inclusivity and unity across communities.
Addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad, the Chief Minister responded to BJP leader Ramchander Rao, who had referred to him as “Revanthuddin” in a critical tone. Reddy said he had no objection to the name and would accept it with pride if it reflected harmony among communities. “If any Muslim brother calls me Revanthuddin, I will accept it happily. It can be Revanth Goud, Revanth Madiga, Revanth Muidraj, Revanth Singh or Revanthuddin I have no objection,” he said.
Using the moment to underline the Congress party’s inclusive approach, Reddy said the party has consistently stood by minorities and marginalised communities. He reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting the 4 per cent reservation for minorities in Telangana, stating that the Congress had always responded when the community sought support.
The Chief Minister also cited historical examples to reinforce his argument, noting that the Congress had appointed a Muslim President of India and several Muslim Chief Ministers in the past. He added that senior Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin was made a minister without being an MLA or MLC and would soon be nominated to the Legislative Council.
Taking the inclusivity pitch further, Reddy announced that his government would introduce a law to curb hate speech in the upcoming Assembly session. According to an official CMO release, the proposed legislation aims to prevent divisive rhetoric and ensure peace and communal harmony in the state.
At a separate programme in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister spoke about the Congress party’s role in India’s freedom struggle and praised the contribution of organisations like Jamiat in nation-building through cooperation between majority and minority communities.
Thanking such organisations for their support during the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha and recent Assembly elections, Reddy also attacked the BJP, daring Union Home Minister Amit Shah to win power in Telangana. He alleged that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) had indirectly helped the BJP improve its vote share in national elections.
Recalling the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Chief Minister said his victory was possible due to the combined support of Hindu and Muslim voters, and asserted that Congress leaders, including himself, had stood alongside Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
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