TelanganaPolitics – Revanth Reddy Targets BRS Narrative at Public Award Ceremony

TelanganaPolitics – Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday delivered a sharp critique of the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi, accusing its leaders of attempting to portray party chief K. Chandrashekar Rao as the sole architect of the Telangana movement while sidelining the contributions of several key activists and freedom fighters.

Criticism of BRS Narrative on Telangana Movement

Speaking at a ceremony held to confer the Ravi Narayana Reddy National Award on Justice B. Sudharshan Reddy, the Chief Minister said the historical narrative promoted by BRS ignored uncomfortable facts from the period when the party was in power. He alleged that during the Telangana agitation, several activists were detained under the KCR-led government, including prominent leader Professor M. Kodandaram. According to Reddy, police actions at the time involved forced arrests that left lasting scars on the movement.

Reddy questioned why leaders who played decisive roles in mobilising the agitation were being erased from public memory. He reminded the audience that Kodandaram had been instrumental in uniting Telangana activists and steering the struggle forward, arguing that selective remembrance weakened the truth behind the statehood movement.

Government’s Approach to Accountability

The Chief Minister drew a contrast between past actions and the approach adopted by his current administration. He said his government had chosen constitutional and democratic methods to address allegations against political leaders. Instead of force, Special Investigation Team notices were issued to summon individuals for questioning, which he described as a lawful and transparent process.

Referring to the principles of democracy, Reddy invoked the ideals of B. R. Ambedkar, stating that those who take an incorrect path must face inquiry under the rule of law. He cited national political figures who had also undergone investigations, stressing that accountability was a cornerstone of democratic governance.

Electoral Verdict and Political Responsibility

Reddy criticised leaders who, in his view, accumulated wealth and influence while claiming the legacy of the Telangana struggle. He said the electorate had clearly rejected BRS in the recent elections and urged defeated leaders to accept public verdicts with dignity rather than deflect blame. In a pointed remark, he questioned why a leader often referred to as the “father of Telangana” was holding voters responsible for his political setback.

Allegations Against Central Government Policies

Expanding his address beyond state politics, the Chief Minister called upon democratic forces to oppose what he described as the SIR initiative introduced by the Union government. He alleged that the policy aligned with a broader “One Nation, One Party” approach and was designed to curtail constitutionally guaranteed voting rights.

Reddy appealed to Left parties to educate rural communities about what he termed a conspiracy to dilute electoral participation. He warned that constitutional values were under pressure and urged collective action to safeguard democratic rights.

Remembering Ravi Narayana Reddy’s Legacy

Reflecting on the life of Ravi Narayana Reddy, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would take a significant decision to honour the freedom fighter’s legacy. He highlighted Narayana Reddy’s role in the armed peasant struggle against oppressive forces and noted that, despite being born into a feudal family, he donated around 500 acres of land for the welfare of the poor.

Reddy recalled that Narayana Reddy’s leadership inspired many, including noted public figures, and that he was elected to Parliament with a margin larger than that secured by Jawaharlal Nehru in his constituency. He also noted that Narayana Reddy was chosen to inaugurate the country’s first Parliament building, reflecting public confidence in his leadership.

Leadership, Inspiration, and Contemporary Politics

The Chief Minister praised Narayana Reddy’s decision to step away from active politics after the age of 60, calling it an example of principled leadership. In an indirect reference to current political figures, he remarked that some leaders today refuse to relinquish positions even after clear electoral defeats.

Reddy concluded by acknowledging the influence of leaders across generations, naming Burgula Ramakrishna Rao and Ravi Narayana Reddy as inspirations to the first generation, and Jaipal Reddy and Justice Sudharshan Reddy as guiding figures for later generations. He added that Justice Sudharshan Reddy’s commitment to democratic values justified his recognition with the national award.