Did T'gana CM Revanth Reddy's Christmas Remarks Cause a Political Uproar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Telangana CM Revanth Reddy linked Christmas celebrations to Sonia Gandhi's sacrifices.
- The BJP criticized these remarks as politicizing a religious event.
- Comments from BJP leaders highlighted the need for responsibility in political discourse.
- Political tensions in India often intersect with cultural and religious narratives.
- The controversy has prompted calls for accountability and respect for beliefs.
New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy, has ignited a political uproar by linking the state's Christmas celebrations to the "sacrifice" of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, which has drawn fierce backlash from the BJP.
During a Christmas event organized by the government at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, Reddy stated, "The Christmas celebrations in Telangana today are a result of Sonia Gandhi's significant role and sacrifice."
He emphasized that December is particularly important for Telangana as it marks both Sonia Gandhi's birthday and the month of the state's formation.
The BJP responded swiftly, accusing the Chief Minister of making inappropriate comparisons and politicizing a religious occasion.
BJP National Spokesperson R.P. Singh commented to IANS, "Sonia Gandhi has never shown faith in Hindu values. She adheres to Christianity. While she was in power, Christmas was celebrated at her residence on Janpath, but not Diwali. It's acceptable for everyone to follow their beliefs, but remarks like these from a head of state are inappropriate."
BJP leader Raj Purohit criticized Reddy's statement as "crazy" and irresponsible, questioning the comparison between Jesus's sacrifices and those of Sonia Gandhi, stating, "Is marrying into India a sacrifice? She claims to have given a son to the country, yet now the entire nation is facing difficulties. This cannot be termed a sacrifice, and the Chief Minister should exercise caution in his statements."
Another BJP figure, Vikram Randhawa, condemned the Chief Minister's remarks, accusing him of exploiting the Christian faith for political gain. He stated, "It's despicable that someone would stoop so low for political advantage, using an important international festival to serve their own interests. This deserves global condemnation, and there should be a call for accountability and an apology."
The BJP's Telangana unit also reacted strongly, labeling Reddy's statements as "sycophancy" and ridiculing the suggestion that Christmas celebrations could be linked to Sonia Gandhi.
The party remarked, "Next, we'll be told the sun rises due to the Gandhi family. When flattery knows no bounds, everything is seized for political gain."
As of now, the ruling party has not provided any clarification regarding the Chief Minister's remarks.