Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Intensifies Criticism Against BJP's Election Tactics

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accuses the BJP of using 'North Korean-style' tactics in elections, criticizing the disqualification of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination. He labels it as a fight between Gandhian and Godse ideologies, while expressing concerns over obstructed state projects.

In a sharp escalation of his criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday accused the BJP of employing "North Korean-style" election tactics. His remarks focused on the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination, describing the Returning Officer's decision as an extension of BJP's efforts to skew democratic norms.

Reddy did not mince words as he accused the BJP of shifting from 'vote chori' to 'seat chori'. "This is not just an attack on democracy but a denouncement of Gandhian principles," he said, noting that Natarajan stands for Gandhian ideology, which makes her disqualification evidence of BJP's so-called anti-democratic and anti-women stance.

Amid questions on the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), Reddy explained the agency's objective while dismissing any admiration for Adolf Hitler, whose name surfaced in media interpretations. He also highlighted developmental dialogues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including initiatives like the Hyderabad Metro Phase-II and addressing water-sharing disputes.

Reddy's critique extended to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, whom he accused of hindering Telangana's growth by failing to lobby for funding. Before any comment on the Supreme Court ruling concerning Natarajan, he mentioned consultations with legal advisors. Firm on state identity, Reddy regarded the presence of outsiders like Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan in Telangana as a free election contest but objected to actions undermining the state's identity.