BJP Accuses Revanth of Diverting Focus With Religious Remarks

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s recent remarks on Lord Rama and Lord Shiva have drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders in the state, who accused him of bringing religious and regional issues into the political discourse to divert attention from the performance of his government.

BJP state spokesperson N V Subhash alleged that the Congress government had failed to adequately focus on welfare schemes and development programmes during its 30 months in office. According to Subhash, the Chief Minister was attempting to shift the public debate towards religious, regional and caste-related issues instead of addressing questions surrounding governance and the implementation of electoral promises.

Subhash also took exception to Revanth Reddy’s comments questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders frequently invoke “Jai Shri Ram” but do not similarly chant “Har Har Mahadev.” He said remarks drawing political distinctions between religious figures could create unnecessary tension and potentially affect law and order.

The BJP leader also questioned the government’s record on Bhadrachalam, a major pilgrimage centre popularly known as “Dakshina Ayodhya”. He alleged that funds required for the development of the Sri Rama temple had not been released and demanded that the Chief Minister explain what concrete steps had been taken for Bhadrachalam’s development.

BJP spokesperson Prakash Reddy separately criticised the Chief Minister’s remarks linking Lord Rama with North India and Lord Shiva with the Dravidian region. He alleged that such a portrayal overlooked India’s long-standing cultural and religious diversity. Citing pilgrimage centres including Kailash, Kedarnath and Badrinath, he argued that religious traditions cannot be confined to geographical or regional identities.

Meanwhile, BRS spokesperson Ravula Sridhar Reddy raised questions ahead of Revanth Reddy’s scheduled visit to Sirisilla. He demanded that the Chief Minister address local concerns over the implementation of election promises and the government’s performance.

Sridhar Reddy also sought details of allegations made by Revanth Reddy in the Assembly that thousands of acres of government land in Sirisilla had been taken by BRS leaders. He demanded that the government provide documentary evidence and details of the land involved.

The alleged land issue has emerged as another point of political contention between the Congress and BRS, with the opposition seeking clarification and supporting documents from the government.