Revanth Reddy Attacks PM Modi With Caste Question, Telangana BJP Hits Back, Suggests To Ask Rahul Caste First

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's caste have stirred controversy. Reddy claimed Modi wasn't originally from the Backward Class (BC) but became one legally after becoming Gujarat's chief minister. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Reddy of using diversion tactics.

"Modi garu is often referred to as a BC (Backward Class) leader. Modi ji doesn't belong to a backward caste. He is a legally converted backward caste... Till he became chief minister of Gujarat, the caste he belonged to was counted among the forward castes. When he became chief minister, he included his caste among the Backwards' list. He was not born a Backward caste. When he was born, he belonged to the upper caste," CM Reddy claimed.

Political Reactions and Accusations

BJP Member of Parliament Bandi Sanjay Kumar responded by accusing Reddy of failing to deliver on his promise of 42 percent reservation for BCs in Telangana. Kumar questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's background, asking about his nationality, caste, and religion due to his mixed heritage.

"He should first ask the caste and background of (Congress leader) Rahul Gandhi. Going by his background, it is not clear what his nationality, caste and religion are...His (Rahul Gandhi) grandfather was Feroz Jehangir Gandhi. In Hindu tradition, caste is inherited from the father's lineage. Now, his mother came from another country. So, what is his locus standi?" he asked at a gathering in Hyderabad.

Reservation Debate Intensifies

The BJP has firmly stated that reservations based on religion will not be allowed for Muslims. Kumar accused Reddy of trying to divert attention by suggesting reservations for Muslims at the expense of BCs' rights.

"The BJP is very strong in its stand. There will be no reservation for Muslims on the basis of religion. Revanth Reddy can forget his diversion tactics," he said.

Caste Survey and Legislative Plans

The debate over Backward Classes comes shortly after Telangana presented its caste survey in the Assembly. This survey revealed that 56.33 percent of Telangana's population are BCs. The state government plans to propose a Bill supporting 42 percent reservation for BCs in education, employment, and local bodies during the upcoming Assembly session.