Owaisi used as political scarecrow: Revanth Reddy slams BJP's 'divisive politics

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that the party repeatedly invokes AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for political gain instead of addressing governance issues, and uses his name to mobilise votes. He said the party’s leaders “chant his name endlessly” and repeatedly portray him as a political scarecrow to influence public opinion during elections.

Addressing media, ahead of municipal elections, Reddy said the BJP projects Owaisi as a political “lifeline” and frequently raises his name while claiming to champion religious causes. He questioned why no action had been taken against Owaisi if the BJP truly considered him a threat, despite being in power at the Centre and in several states.

Reddy also accused the BJP of practising divisive politics by invoking Owaisi to polarise voters.

The Chief Minister argued that local elections should be fought on civic issues rather than national or communal narratives, asking whether central leaders would address everyday municipal problems such as drainage and urban infrastructure. He urged voters in 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations to make decisions based on governance, development and their future.

Reddy also alleged that the BJP relies on invoking personalities and religion instead of delivering on promises made to Telangana, and said attempts to stoke communal divisions reflect “ideological bankruptcy.”

'BJP committing injustice against southern states'

He said whenever any Union minister visits the state, they claim to have sanctioned lakhs of crores, but in reality, the Centre is only returning a portion of the taxes Telangana pays. He said for every rupee Telangana gives to the Centre, it receives only 42 paise in return.

He said Karnataka receives 16 paise, Tamil Nadu 26 paise and Kerala only 49 paise. He alleged that the BJP is committing injustice against southern states, and figures clearly show that Telangana is being denied its rightful share.

Turning to the BRS, Revanth Reddy said the party was in power in Telangana for the last ten years, yet its leaders are now asking for votes claiming they will solve problems. He said from sarpanch to municipality, the BRS exercised complete control, and asked whether KCR, KTR and Harish Rao were not responsible for the present problems.

He questioned with what face they were asking for votes again, accusing them of speaking with arrogance and hatred, like people intoxicated with ganja or cocaine. He warned about the consequences of voting for leaders accustomed to looting.

The remarks come amid a three-cornered contest between the Congress, BJP and BRS in the upcoming municipal polls, where campaign rhetoric has intensified around identity politics, development and Centre–state relations.

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