- Revanth Reddy’s ‘Congress means Muslims’ remark stirs row
- Bandi Sanjay urges Hindus to unite behind BJP candidate
The Jubilee Hills by-poll campaign in Hyderabad has taken a sharply communal turn as both Congress and BJP leaders made religious appeals to voters. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy declared that “Congress means Muslims, Muslims means Congress,” drawing a strong response from Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who urged Hindu voters to unite and support the BJP candidate. Following these statements, the ruling Congress party approached the Election Commission seeking action against Sanjay for alleged communal remarks.
While addressing a corner meeting at Paramount Colony in Shaikpet division, Revanth Reddy reiterated his government’s commitment to the welfare of Muslims. He accused the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of deceiving the community and claimed that “The KCR party will merge with BJP soon.” Emphasizing his secular credentials, Reddy added, “Congress governments provided many opportunities to minorities. It was only Congress that gave big posts to minorities.” He highlighted that he had won the Kodangal Assembly seat three times with support from minority voters.
With nearly 1.2 lakh Muslim voters among the nearly four lakh electorate in the constituency, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) decision to back the Congress instead of fielding its own candidate could play a decisive role in the November 11 by-election. AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said the by-poll would not affect the government’s stability but appealed to voters to support Congress nominee V Naveen Yadav, describing him as “a young and capable leader who could bring meaningful change.”
Responding to Congress’s outreach to Muslim voters, Bandi Sanjay launched a sharp attack during a public meeting in Borabanda. He said, “When I see people putting on caps to chase votes, it makes me laugh. When Revanth Reddy wears a cap, it even brings to mind actor Venu Madhav. I’ve seen Azharuddin standing nearby chuckle at these vote-seekers.” The BJP leader accused the Congress of trying to buy votes, claiming, “They’ve been going to Muslim homes, handing out mixers, grinders, and appliances.” He further alleged that “Revanth Reddy has brought in 40,000 burqas to manipulate voting,” urging the Election Commission to monitor polling closely.
Bandi Sanjay concluded his speech with a call to consolidate Hindu votes. “I appeal to Jubilee Hills voters: back the BJP — the party of Ram’s legacy. If all 300,000 Hindu voters stand together, let’s show Congress and BRS what unity looks like,” he said.
The by-poll campaign has now become one of the most contentious in recent Telangana politics, with communal appeals dominating public discourse ahead of voting day.
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