Revanth Reddy Defies BJP Over Minority Quota
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has launched a direct political offensive against the BJP leadership regarding the sensitive issue of minority reservations. Speaking at a consultative meeting in Shamshabad, the Chief Minister challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to win an election in Telangana before threatening to scrap the four percent reservation for Muslims. This bold stance comes as the state prepares for crucial municipal elections scheduled for February 11, 2026.
Reddy criticized recent remarks made by BJP leaders, including National President Nitin Nabin, who accused the Congress government of practicing “appeasement politics.” The Chief Minister countered these claims by emphasizing that the Congress remains the primary protector of minority rights. He pointed out that the current reservation system provides essential access to education and government jobs for marginalized communities, and his government is committed to making these benefits permanent.
In a significant legislative move, the Chief Minister announced that the state would introduce a dedicated law against hate speech during the upcoming budget session. This proposed legislation is modeled after recent legal frameworks in neighboring states and aims to curb divisive rhetoric that targets specific communities. Legal experts, including former Supreme Court judges, are reportedly assisting the government in drafting this policy to ensure it stands up to judicial scrutiny.
The political heat has intensified as the BJP targets the Congress over budgetary allocations. BJP leaders allege that funds intended for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes have been diverted toward minority welfare. Revanth Reddy dismissed these allegations as an attempt to polarize voters along religious lines. He urged the public to recognize the developmental work performed by his administration over the past two years rather than falling for “provocative” campaign tactics.
As the election date approaches, the battle for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations has turned into a high-stakes three-cornered contest. With over 52 lakh voters set to cast their ballots, the outcome will be seen as a referendum on the Congress government’s inclusive policies versus the BJP’s nationalist agenda. The Chief Minister concluded his address by calling for unity among all religions to ensure the state’s continued economic growth and social harmony.
