Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s remarks crediting Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for enabling the celebration of Christmas in the state have sparked sharp criticism from the BJP, triggering a political row.
Speaking at a government-organised Christmas programme at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, Revanth Reddy said that Telangana was able to celebrate Christmas because of the “sacrifice” and “crucial role” played by Sonia Gandhi.
He also noted that December holds special importance for the state, as it marks both Sonia Gandhi’s birthday and the formation of Telangana.
“If people are celebrating Christmas in Telangana today, it is because of Sonia Gandhi’s role and sacrifice,” the Chief Minister said, drawing applause from party supporters at the event.
The BJP reacted strongly, accusing Revanth Reddy of politicising a religious festival and making inappropriate comparisons.
BJP spokesperson RP Singh said Sonia Gandhi had never shown faith in Hindu traditions and continued to follow Christianity, her birth religion.
He also alleged that while Christmas was celebrated at Sonia Gandhi’s residence during her time in power, Hindu festivals like Diwali were not.
“It is everyone’s right to practise their own faith, but such remarks from a Chief Minister are not appropriate,” Singh said.
Another BJP spokesperson, Nalin Kohli, claimed the comments were aimed at pleasing the Nehru-Gandhi family.
He questioned why a religious festival was being linked to political loyalty and accused the Congress of viewing Christians and Muslims primarily through a vote-bank lens.
“If leaders want to celebrate Christmas, it should be for the festival itself, not for political messaging,” Kohli said.
So far, neither Revanth Reddy nor the Congress party has issued an official response to the BJP’s criticism.