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Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy sparks controversy by attributing Christmas celebrations in the state to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, prompting BJP criticism of political flattery, while announcing a law to punish insults against religions and welfare plans for minorities.
Reddy credits Sonia Gandhi for Christmas celebrations in Telangana.
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stirred political controversy on Saturday when he linked the state’s Christmas celebrations to the “sacrifice” of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Speaking at a government-hosted Christmas event at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad, Reddy said that if people in Telangana celebrate Christmas today, it is due to Gandhi’s pivotal role and efforts.
He also highlighted December as a significant month, noting both Sonia Gandhi’s birthday and the anniversary of Telangana statehood. Reddy stressed respect for all religions and reiterated his government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony, ensuring that benefits of state programs reach every community.
In his address, the Chief Minister announced that the Telangana government plans to introduce a new law in the upcoming Budget session to penalise anyone who insults or disparages any religion. Existing legislation will also be amended to impose stricter penalties, underlining the government’s focus on curbing communal hatred.
Reddy additionally highlighted initiatives aimed at minority communities, including measures to address issues related to graveyards and burials, signalling the administration’s intent to provide equitable support across religious groups.
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The remarks were swiftly criticised by the BJP in Telangana, which described the CM’s statements as “sycophancy” and an example of political bootlicking. On X, the party mocked the idea, saying that attributing Christmas celebrations to the Gandhi family is absurd, comparing it to claiming the sun rises because of them.
The comments were shared widely by Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders as well, who questioned the timing and political undertones of the statement. Opposition parties have since raised debates over the appropriateness of crediting a national leader for a festival celebrated across communities.
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The controversy has sparked wider discussion in Telangana politics, with analysts noting that the CM’s remarks could be seen as an attempt to appeal to Congress supporters while alienating political opponents. While some argue that Reddy was merely acknowledging Gandhi’s influence in national politics, others view it as excessive flattery that crosses the limits of decorum in public discourse.
