Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday launched a sharp political counterattack against Bharat Rashtra Samithi led by former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), accusing the party of hypocrisy and arrogance in the face of ongoing investigation into the phone tapping case.
Reacting to BRS leaders questioning why “notices are being issued to a Telangana ‘Jathipitha’ (father of the state),” Revanth Reddy said it was absurd for political leaders to award themselves such titles.
“Some people are writing the label of ‘father of Telangana’ for themselves. They claim they are movement leaders, but their actions tell a different story,” he remarked.
Drawing a comparison with Mahatma Gandhi, Revanth Reddy said true national leaders earned respect through sacrifice.
“Gandhiji gave up positions and ultimately laid down his life. What sacrifices have those calling themselves ‘Jathipitha’ made?” he asked.
The chief minister questioned the moral authority of BRS leaders, pointing out that many genuine Telangana activists suffered repression during the BRS regime itself.
He recalled the arrest of Telangana movement ideologue Professor Kodandaram, stating that he was detained during KCR’s tenure.
“Wasn’t Professor Kodandaram a movement leader? Didn’t your government break down doors to arrest him? Where was your respect for activists then?” he asked.
He also noted that unlike past crackdowns, the current government has followed due process.
“Police didn’t break down your doors. They served notices and called you for questioning. That is democracy,” he said.
Revanth Reddy further accused BRS leaders of enriching themselves while claiming the legacy of the Telangana struggle.
“People like Ravi Narayana Reddy lost everything for Telangana. But those who accumulated positions and thousands of crores—how can they call themselves movement warriors?” he said.
Invoking Dr B R Ambedkar, the chief minister asserted that accountability is unavoidable in a democracy.
“Ambedkar clearly said that those who choose illegal paths must face investigation. Leaders like Shibu Soren have faced inquiries. We are not divine beings,” he stated.
Revanth Reddy said the era of monarchs projecting personal troubles as state crises is over.
“In democracy, anyone who commits wrongdoing must face inquiry. No one is above the Constitution,” he declared.