Telangana To Introduce Law Against Hate Speech

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced plans for a tougher law against religious insults, while also facing backlash for remarks linking Christmas celebrations to Sonia Gandhi. The Congress leader said the new legislation would target anyone who abuses any faith and would be placed before the Assembly during the next budget session.

Revanth Reddy explained that the state government aimed to amend existing provisions so that those who promote hatred or disrespect religions face stricter punishment. According to the Chief Minister, the proposal is meant to address religious hostility and ensure that people from every community feel legally protected against abuse of their beliefs.

Revanth Reddy speech at Christmas event and remarks on Sonia Gandhi

The comments that triggered the political row came during a government-organised Christmas celebration in Hyderabad. Revanth Reddy told the gathering that minority communities should receive the full benefits of government welfare schemes, and promised that long-pending issues related to burial grounds for Christians and Muslims would be resolved soon through official intervention.

During the same event, Revanth Reddy described December as a special period for both Telangana and the Congress party, calling it a "Miracle Month" for the state. Referring to the creation of Telangana, the Chief Minister highlighted that the state was formed in December, the same month in which Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was born.

Revanth Reddy added praise for Sonia Gandhi's role in the separate state movement, recalling the sacrifices made during the agitation. "...Sonia Gandhi was born on December 9. After many young people sacrificed their lives for a separate Telangana, and despite suffering a huge political loss in Andhra Pradesh, she delivered Telangana," he said, while addressing the audience.

Revanth Reddy viral video and BJP, BRS criticism

A video of Revanth Reddy from the Christmas programme has widely circulated on social media platforms. In the clip, the Chief Minister is heard saying, "The reason we are celebrating the Christmas festival here (in Telangana) today is because of the contribution of Sonia Gandhi." The statement quickly drew a reaction from opposition parties in the state.

The Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party posted the viral clip on X and accused Revanth Reddy of "sycophancy". The party wrote: "Christmas is being celebrated here today due to the sacrifice and contribution of Sonia Gandhi.- Revanth Reddy, CM of Congress ruled TelanganaNext, we'll be told the sun rises because of the Gandhi family.When sycophancy crosses all limits, everything is hijacked for... pic.twitter.com/i67XxmxYKF- BJP Telangana (@BJP4Telangana) December 20, 2025"

In another post, the Telangana BJP expanded on its criticism, repeating the Chief Minister's line in full. "Christmas is being celebrated here today due to the sacrifice and contribution of Sonia Gandhi. Revanth Reddy, CM of Congress, ruled Telangana. Next, we'll be told the sun rises because of the Gandhi family. When sycophancy crosses all limits, everything is hijacked for political bootlicking," the post read, targeting both Revanth Reddy and the Congress leadership.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi also circulated the video and echoed the attack on Revanth Reddy's statement. Sharing the clip on X, BRS leader Dr.Krishank wrote, "Today everyone are celebrating Christmas only because of sacrifice of Smt. Sonia Gandhi says Congress CM Revanth... pic.twitter.com/qtYGPWTIQR- Dr.Krishank (@Krishank_BRS) December 20, 2025" signalling that opposition parties intend to keep questioning the Chief Minister over both the proposed law on religious insults and the comments made at the Christmas event.