Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has launched a pointed critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party frequently invokes the name of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi to gain political advantage instead of focusing on governance issues. Reddy asserted that BJP leaders persistently “chant his name” to sway public opinion and mobilize voters ahead of upcoming municipal elections.
Speaking to the media, Reddy emphasized that the BJP portrays Owaisi as a political “lifeline,” using his image to ostensibly champion religious causes. He questioned the BJP’s claims about Owaisi being a threat, pointing out that if the party genuinely viewed him as such, it should have taken action against him, particularly when they hold power both at the national level and in several states.
BJP engages in divisive politics: Revanth Reddy
Reddy accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics through the invocation of Owaisi in an attempt to polarize voter sentiments. He stressed that local elections should be focused on civic issues rather than national or communal matters. Reddy challenged whether central leaders would take responsibility for addressing everyday municipal concerns, such as urban infrastructure and drainage.
The Chief Minister urged citizens across 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations to base their voting decisions on issues related to governance and development, rather than getting drawn into divisive rhetoric. He expressed concern over the BJP’s reliance on cultural and religious figures, arguing that this approach showcases “ideological bankruptcy.” Reddy stated that the party has failed to deliver on its promises to the state of Telangana.
Turning to the financial implications for southern states, Reddy highlighted that whenever a Union minister visits Telangana, they claim to have allocated vast sums of money, yet in reality, the Centre only returns a fraction of the taxes collected from the state. He noted that for every rupee taken from Telangana, only 42 paise is returned, and drew comparisons with other states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, which receive even less.
Reddy contended that the BJP is perpetuating injustice against southern states, asserting that the financial data clearly indicates that Telangana is being denied its rightful share of resources. Moreover, he directed his attention towards the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which has governed the state for the past decade. Reddy questioned the legitimacy of BRS leaders asking for public support when they have long been in power and should be accountable for the current issues faced by the populace.
He criticized KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao, suggesting they exhibit arrogance and a lack of accountability while seeking votes. Reddy cautioned the public about the repercussions of supporting leaders who he claims have benefitted from corrupt practices.
The remarks come as Telangana enters a competitive phase with a three-way electoral contest involving the Congress, BJP, and BRS in the approaching municipal elections. Campaign discussions have increasingly centered around identity politics, developmental issues, and the dynamics of Centre-state relations.
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