‘Stricter punishment for insulting faiths’: Revanth Reddy announces new law

Addressing a government-organised Christmas celebration in Hyderabad, Reddy said the proposed legislation would be brought during the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly to curb religious hatred and protect communal harmony.

The Chief Minister also stressed that minorities must receive the full benefits of welfare schemes, adding that long-pending graveyard-related issues of Christians and Muslims would be resolved soon.

Calling December a “Miracle Month” for both Telangana and the Congress, Reddy highlighted that the state’s formation and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s birthday fall in the same month.

“Sonia Gandhi was born on December 9. After many young people sacrificed their lives for a separate Telangana, and despite suffering a huge political loss in Andhra Pradesh, she delivered Telangana,” he said.

In a video from the event that has since gone viral, Reddy is heard saying, “The reason we are celebrating the Christmas festival here today is because of the contribution of Sonia Gandhi.”

Opposition slams remarks

The comments sparked sharp reactions from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Telangana BJP shared the video on X, accusing the Chief Minister of “sycophancy”.

“Christmas is being celebrated here today due to the sacrifice and contribution of Sonia Gandhi. Next, we’ll be told the sun rises because of the Gandhi family. When sycophancy crosses all limits, everything is hijacked for political bootlicking,” the BJP said.

The BRS also criticised the remarks, sharing the clip and questioning the Chief Minister’s statement linking Christmas celebrations to Sonia Gandhi’s role.