He illustrated that, akin to how individuals worship various deities based on their personal choices and experiences, the Congress party unites people with diverse perspectives.
“How many gods are there in Hinduism? They say three crores. One person venerates Lord Venkateshwara, another honors Hanuman, some wear the Ayyappa mala, while others follow Shiva. There are even deities to whom people offer alcohol and chicken. If we can’t reach a consensus on God, how can we expect everyone to agree on a single political leader?” the CM was quoted by ANI.
His comments have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), who have demanded a formal apology, claiming he has offended Hindu sentiments.
This incident adds to a series of controversial statements made by Reddy throughout his political journey. The Chief Minister has faced numerous controversies over the years.
Congress means Muslims remark: At a rally for the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-poll in Hyderabad last November, Reddy targeted Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy for rejecting former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin’s induction into the Telangana Council of Ministers.
“The Congress government has created many opportunities for minorities. It is solely Congress that has appointed minorities to significant positions. Congress signifies Muslims, and Muslims signify Congress,” the CM stated.
Death threat: While speaking at a public meeting in Delhi in August, Reddy remarked that “whoever it may be, whether wealthy or in any position, if they oppose Rahul Gandhi’s directives, Telangana will issue their death order.” “We are here at Jantar Mantar to disseminate Rahul’s message throughout the country,” he added.
Beggar comment: Last year, while criticizing the BJP, he drew backlash for saying those “asking for something by displaying a picture of a god are beggars, not Hindus”. “God should reside in temples, and devotion should reside in the heart. Only such individuals are true Hindus. BJP leaders display images of god on the streets to solicit votes,” he stated in Armoor.
Mockery of the anti-defection law: In the state assembly, Reddy claimed that no by-elections would occur even if members of the Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) defected to the ruling Congress. However, in April, the Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval, stating, “If this is proclaimed on the floor of the House, your Hon’ble CM is making a mockery of the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).”
