BJP Slams Revanth Reddy, Compares Him to Indira Gandhi Over ‘Fake Journalists’ Remark

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy over his alleged remarks threatening to strip and parade those "posing as journalists" if they posted offensive content online. The controversy erupted after a report by The Times of India claimed that Reddy had expressed anger over derogatory posts targeting him and his family.

According to the report, Reddy accused the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of orchestrating these online attacks and warned that those responsible would be humiliated. "They have no right to comment on the women in my family," he reportedly said.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to social media to condemn Reddy's comments, drawing a parallel between the Congress and the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In a video statement posted on X, Poonawalla said, "Congress = DNA of Emergency. Like Indira, now Revanth. Crush free speech & any voice of dissent."

Poonawalla further accused the Congress of having a history of curbing press freedom. He recalled instances such as Indira Gandhi's censorship during the Emergency, Jawaharlal Nehru's First Amendment restricting free speech, and Rajiv Gandhi's attempts to introduce media control bills.

The criticism comes at a time when a female journalist in Telangana was recently arrested for highlighting farmers' struggles. Poonawalla referred to the incident, stating, "When she became the voice of the farmers, the Congress party attacked her."

He also condemned Reddy's alleged threats to social media users and independent journalists, questioning the Congress' commitment to democracy and press freedom. "Is this the language of a chief minister? Rahul Gandhi talks about democracy and press freedom. Is this his definition of free speech?"

Reddy, meanwhile, has claimed that the BRS orchestrated the attacks against him by hiring "paid artists" to create controversial videos. He also issued a warning to former CM and BRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao, saying, "If you cross the line, the consequences will be dire. I am being tolerant and stopping the youth, or else they would hit the roads, strip you all before beating you black and blue."

The controversy has sparked a heated debate on political rhetoric and press freedom in Telangana, with both parties trading accusations in what appears to be an escalating political battle.