Archive · 31 Aug 2026
BJP Challenges Congress Over Revanth Reddy’s Muslim Remark
The BJP asked Rahul Gandhi whether Revanth Reddy’s statement represents the Congress’s official position.
Reddy reportedly said, “Congress means Muslims and Muslims means Congress,” while defending opportunities for minorities.
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called the remark divisive and communal and questioned its compatibility with secularism.
Bhatia asked Rahul Gandhi to clarify his position and demanded Reddy’s removal if the statement was not the party line.
Reddy made the remarks while defending the induction of former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin into Telangana’s Council of Ministers.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, Rahul Gandhi, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia.
- What
- The BJP demanded clarification from Rahul Gandhi over Reddy’s remarks linking Congress with Muslims and Islam.
- When
- Bhatia made the demand on Monday; Reddy’s cited remarks were made last year and during an election rally.
- Where
- The BJP spokesperson addressed reporters in New Delhi; Reddy made the remarks in Telangana.
- Why
- The BJP said the comments were divisive and communal and questioned whether they reflected Congress’s official position.
BJP criticism
Reddy’s stated defense
Meaning of the Congress-Muslim comparison
BJP criticism
The BJP said the remark was divisive and communal, and asked whether it represented the Congress’s official position.
Reddy’s stated defense
Reddy presented Congress as the party that gives minorities major posts and opportunities, using the comparison while defending his government’s measures.
Secularism and constitutional interpretation
BJP criticism
Gaurav Bhatia questioned whether the statement was secular and consistent with the Constitution of India.
Reddy’s stated defense
The articles do not report a direct response from Reddy or Rahul Gandhi addressing the BJP’s constitutional and secularism criticism.
Political treatment of Muslims
BJP criticism
A Telangana BJP leader said the comments amounted to vote-bank politics and argued that treating Muslims as a vote bank harms their respect.
Reddy’s stated defense
Reddy emphasized Congress measures intended to provide opportunities and respect to minorities.
- BJP spokesperson
- Gaurav Bhatia
- Congress leader questioned
- Rahul Gandhi
- Statement attributed to
- Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy
- Contested remark
- “Congress means Muslims and Muslims means Congress.”
- BJP demand
- Clarification from Rahul Gandhi and possible removal of Reddy
- Related appointment
- Former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin’s induction into Telangana’s Council of Ministers
- BJP characterization
- The remarks were described as divisive and communal