Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's '3 crore deities' statement has sparked controversy in the state. BJP and Hindu organizations protested, demanding Hindu unity and a public apology across the state.
New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's statement about '3 crore Hindu deities' has caused political and religious uproar in the state. Union Minister Kishan Reddy and several BJP leaders bly condemned the remark, calling it hurtful to Hindu sentiments. The BJP has called for Hindu unity in the state and planned protests across Telangana.
What Revanth Reddy Said in His Statement
In internal clips gone viral on social media, the Chief Minister commented on the diversity of Hindu worship and deities during a meeting. He said, "How many deities are there in Hinduism? How many deities? Three crore? Why? For those who are unmarried, there is Lord Hanuman. For those who have married twice, there is another god. For those who drink alcohol, there is another god. Yellamma, Pochamma, Maisamma. For those who ask for chicken, there is one god. And for those who eat dal-chawal (lentils and rice), there is another god. There are all kinds of deities." Following this statement, outrage spread within the Hindu community, and the BJP termed it insulting.
BJP's Protest
BJP leaders in Telangana bly condemned Revanth Reddy's remarks. State chief G. Ramachandra Rao demanded an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister and the Congress government, calling for protests across the state. Union Minister Kishan Reddy stated that it is now time for Hindu society to unite. He appealed to everyone to show their strength and protect the self-respect of the Hindu community.
Bandi Sanjay's Statement
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar stated that the BJP had warned during the Jubilee Hills by-election that if Congress or BRS won, Hindus would lose their self-respect. He added that Revanth Reddy's statement proves this warning correct. Sanjay accused Congress of harbouring animosity towards Hindus and said that the party has always been under the influence of AIMIM. He appealed to the public not to remain divided but to show their strength.
Reaction from Religious Organizations
The protest against Revanth Reddy's statement was not limited to the BJP. RSS and other Hindu organizations also termed it insulting and demanded a public apology from the Chief Minister. BRS leaders also suggested that the Chief Minister should immediately withdraw his statement and respect the sentiments of crores of Hindus in the state.
