Revanth Reddy, while defending the pre-dawn arrest of two women journalists, warned those making abusive comments against him and his family. Minutes after threatening to strip, skin and parade abusers in public, he said, as Telangana’s CM he would follow the law.
Published Mar 16, 2025 | 9:11 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 16, 2025 | 10:20 AM
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Synopsis: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy defended the pre-dawn arrest of two women journalists in connection with a video post on social media that contained abusive content targeting him. He also slammed the BRS and former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao claiming that the Opposition party was not working for the people.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday, 15 March, defended the pre-dawn arrest of two women journalists in connection with a video post on social media that contained abusive content targeting him.
Responding to a debate on the Governor’s motion of thanks in the state Assembly, the chief minister said, “What kind of journalists are they? How can they post whatever they like? The comments are so abusive that they make one’s blood boil. Despite the provocation, we are acting with utmost restraint because we are in public life.”
Even as the chief minister began his reply, the BRS members staged a walk out in protest against his comments on their party leader K Chandrashekar Rao that he would be sent to the mortuary sooner than later. They alleged that it was as good as wishing that something terrible should happen to Telangana.
Revanth Reddy, after the exit of the BRS members, questioned the credibility of self-proclaimed journalists, asking, “Who is a journalist? Are they the ones recognised by the Information and Public Relations Department, or are they those who make abusive comments about the families of leaders?”
Revanth Reddy emphasised that while it is acceptable to criticise government policies, targeting the women members of a leader’s family is cruel and sadistic.
“It is time for everyone to act responsibly. Journalism cannot be used as a facade to settle personal scores. If anyone targets family members, how can one remain silent? They should imagine their own family members in such a situation and they will understand the pain it causes,” he said.
The chief minister warned that stringent action would be taken against those who engage in such despicable acts or those who support them. “If this trend continues, I will have them flayed (todkalu teestham), strip them in public and parade them,” he stated.
He alleged that those who posted abusive content against him were paid-artists who recorded and uploaded offensive material on social media and added that the police acted as the content was highly objectionable.
Revanth Reddy also urged the BRS to fulfill its duties as an Opposition party. “Let KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) come to the Assembly. We will definitely honour him. We will not do anything to belittle his stature. Let him provide constructive suggestions, and we are ready to accept them,” he said.
He said he understood BRS’ resentment toward him and the Congress for snatching power from them.
“The BRS derives sadistic pleasure whenever there is a tragedy in any part of the state. The twinkle of joy in their eyes is hard to miss. They keep saying that people are angry with the Congress. Why should they be? Is it because we are fulfilling all our promises one after another since assuming office?” he questioned.
The chief minister revealed that the state government had paid over ₹57.84 lakh as remuneration to KCR since he assumed the Leader of the Opposition role from December 2023 until 28 February 2025.
“But how many times has he attended the Assembly? Only twice. I am not even considering the expenses incurred on his security detail. The former chief minister needs security because he fears a threat to his life from his own family members. Let him have the security; I do not mind,” he said, as Congress members suppressed giggles.
He added that KCR had neither visited any part of the state nor raised his voice on issues concerning the people.
Criticising the BRS further, Revanth Reddy highlighted the party’s lack of respect for backward classes (BCs) and women during its 10-year tenure.
“In his first term, KCR did not have a single woman in his cabinet. Later, when Tamilisai Soundararajan became Governor, the BRS government humiliated her multiple times by denying protocol courtesies. In 2022, the BRS government held the budget session without the customary Governor’s address. They attempted to do the same in 2023 but could not due to the intervention of the court,” Revanth Reddy said.
“They never had faith in the institution of the Governor. Back then, the BRS held the stature of the ruling party. Now, the people have reduced it to the opposition. After the Lok Sabha elections, the people have sent the party to the mortuary on a stretcher. The BRS is now in the mortuary,” he remarked.
Revanth Reddy clarified that his comments were directed not at KCR but at the BRS, but KTR and T Harish Rao, had misinterpreted his statements.
“I want KCR to remain healthy and live a full 100 years. I want him to continue as the Leader of the Opposition all his life, and I should remain as the chief minister,” he said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
