Revanth Reddy also issued a warning to BRS leaders and stated that they are speaking as they please only because he was allowing it.
Published Mar 21, 2025 | 9:35 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 21, 2025 | 9:35 AM
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Synopsis: Referring to the criticism of his language, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy questioned whether his critics would stop abusing him if he softened his strong language. He also criticised the Opposition BRS for attacking the government.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, on Thursday, 20 March, defended his tendency to use strong language against his political opponents.
Addressing a function in Hyderabad after distributing appointment letters to candidates selected for government jobs, Revanth Reddy said, “I am often advised to avoid harsh language because of the high and respectable position I hold.”
“If I do, would those who use abusive language against me remain silent?” he asked.
The chief minister made it clear that he has no intention of changing his temperament.
“I was like this 20 years ago when I became a member of the Zilla Parishad for the first time in my life. Even now, I remain the same. While I may have grown wiser as I rose from the position of a Zilla Parishad member to that of the chief minister, my temperament hasn’t changed,” he asserted.
The chief minister referenced the three traits often associated with politicians: Garam (fiery), naram (moderate), and besharam (shameless). He declared that he would always remain garam — combative and assertive — and would never become naram or besharam at any stage of his life.
Revanth Reddy also drew a contrast between his governance style and that of the previous administration.
“I am a democrat at heart, unlike those who ruled in the past. They suppressed the voices of the people and rarely stepped out of their farmhouses. I, on the other hand, am among the people. I reopened the Dharna Chowk and allowed protests at the Secretariat. When they were in power, the police forcibly removed me and my colleague Seethakka when we tried to enter the Secretariat to raise public issues,” he said.
The chief minister highlighted his humble beginnings, stating that he did not grow up in the palatial mansions of Telangana’s feudal lords but in the Nallamala forests, surrounded by wild animals and innocent tribal communities. “I have seen the harsh realities of life and encountered wolves in sheep’s clothing. These experiences have given me a deeper understanding of society and its people,” he added.
Revanth Reddy also issued a warning to BRS leaders and stated that they are speaking as they please only because he was allowing it. “I am not like you. You sent the police to break down Prof. Kodanda Ram’s doors. I could do the same to KTR, but that’s not my style,” he said.
He took a dig at BRS Working President KT Rama Rao for criticising the government’s decision to host the 72nd Miss World pageant in Telangana.
“I don’t know what’s bothering him. This is a great opportunity for Telangana. Of the 71 editions, India has hosted the event only once. Now, the 72nd edition will be held here. It’s a chance to showcase Telangana’s rich culture to representatives from 150 countries, while also revving up our economy,” he explained.
Revanth Reddy contrasted the Miss World pageant with the Formula E race held during the BRS regime, calling the latter a scheme to plunder government funds. “The Miss World event is about earning revenue for the state through taxes besides creating economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
He dismissed as baseless the BRS’s criticism that people are not happy with his rule. He questioned why anyone, especially the youth, should be angry with him.
“Why should the youth be upset? Is it because I am filling government vacancies? Why should any section of society complain when I am implementing welfare schemes for their benefit?” he asked. Reddy accused the BRS of being jealous of the Congress government’s achievements. The BRS leaders are trying to obstruct progress which they failed to deliver during their decade-long rule,” he said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
