Full Breakdown
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s Ram-Shiva Remarks Spark Political Row
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 28, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has “stolen Lord Ram,” a deity he described as the “God of the rich,” while Lord Shiva is the “God of the poor.” He linked the symbols to a north-south political divide, arguing the BJP’s success in northern states stems from its association with Ram, whereas Congress performs better in the south where Shiva is revered.
Background & Context
Reddy framed the discussion in terms of “Dravidians” versus “Aryans,” suggesting cultural identities shape electoral outcomes. The remarks arrived ahead of local elections, heightening their relevance.
Timeline
- September 28 – Reddy claims the BJP has appropriated Lord Ram and contrasts it with Shiva worship in the south.
- September 29 – BJP Telangana spokesperson NV Subhash condemns the remarks as a diversion from governance failures.
- September 30 – Reddy is set to visit Sircilla, where opposition parties plan to question his administration’s performance.
Official Statements & Responses
- Congress leader Mahesh Kumar Goud said an apology is unnecessary and accused the BJP of trying to “own Ram” for electoral gain, citing Telangana shrines Vemulawada (“Dakshina Kashi”) and Bhadrachalam (“Dakshina Ayodhya”) as evidence both deities belong to the state’s heritage.
- BJP state leadership: Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao called the statement “absurd and insulting,” urging workers to burn Reddy’s effigies and asserting no Hindu distinguishes between the gods.
- Other BJP voices: Spokesperson Prakash Reddy warned Reddy’s lack of basic geographical knowledge undermines national unity, while former union minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said the comments could cost Congress dearly in upcoming polls.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are Dravidians; they are Aryans. We are devotees of Lord Shiva, while they are devotees of Lord Ram,” — Revanth Reddy
- “Why should he apologise? I'm defending Revanth Reddy. Lord Ram wears a lot of ornaments. He looks rich, whereas Lord Shiva, with no clothes, physically looks poor. That is the difference.” — Mahesh Kumar Goud
- “Why don't they say 'Har Har Mahadev'? Prime Minister Modi and BJP leaders are always seen saying 'Jai Shri Ram'. Have you ever seen them say 'Har Har Mahadev' on a public platform?” — Revanth Reddy
- “CM Revanth Reddy, who says 'Muslim is Congress, Congress is Muslim'’, is now drawing political boundaries between Lord Ram & Lord Shiva,” — Sanjay Kumar Bandi
What’s Next
Reddy’s visit to Sircilla on September 30 will allow opposition parties to press his government on development promises and land-allocation controversies raised by BRS spokesperson Ravula Sridhar Reddy. BJP leaders have signalled plans for protests and effigy burning ahead of the local elections.
