Revanth Reddy Proposes Law Against Religious Insults
CM says stricter punishment planned; remarks on Sonia Gandhi spark political row
- Telangana CM proposes new law to punish insults to any religion
- Bill likely to be introduced in upcoming budget session
- Assures welfare benefits and graveyard issues for minorities
- Remarks crediting Sonia Gandhi trigger BJP, BRS backlash
GG News Bureau
Hyderabad, 21st Dec: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday announced that his government plans to bring a new law to punish those who insult any religion, saying existing legal provisions will be amended to ensure stricter action against religious abuse and hatred.
Addressing a government-organised Christmas celebration in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said the proposed legislation would be introduced during the upcoming budget session of the Telangana Assembly. He said the move aims to curb religious hatred and ensure harmony by penalising those who disrespect other faiths.
Reddy also emphasised that minorities should receive the full benefits of all welfare schemes. He assured that long-pending graveyard-related issues concerning Christian and Muslim communities would be resolved soon by the state government.
During his address, the Chief Minister described December as a “Miracle Month” for Telangana and the Congress party. Referring to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, he said her birthday falls in December and recalled her role in the creation of Telangana. “After many young people sacrificed their lives for a separate Telangana, and despite suffering a huge political loss in Andhra Pradesh, she delivered Telangana,” Reddy said.
A video clip of the Chief Minister stating that Christmas celebrations in Telangana were possible due to Sonia Gandhi’s contribution went viral on social media, triggering sharp reactions from the opposition. The Bharatiya Janata Party in Telangana shared the video on X, accusing Reddy of “sycophancy” and mocking the remark as political bootlicking.
“Next, we will be told the sun rises because of the Gandhi family,” the BJP said in its post, criticising the Chief Minister for linking a religious festival to a political leader.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) also circulated the clip, targeting the Congress leadership over the statement and accusing the ruling party of politicising a religious celebration.
Despite the criticism, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting religious harmony and ensuring equal welfare support for all communities in Telangana.
