Phone tapping case: CM Revanth Reddy defends SIT probe; takes dig at BRS for portraying KCR as `father of Telangana’

Hyderabad: Strongly defending the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged phone-tapping case, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday took a sharp dig at Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders for portraying former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) as `father of Telangana’.

Speaking at the Ravi Narayana Reddy National Award programme in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said that in a democracy, those who choose the wrong path must be prepared to face investigation.

‘No one above the law’

A day after the SIT questioned KCR for nearly five hours, Revanth Reddy said notices issued by the police cannot be projected as an affront to the entire society.

“Some people are declaring themselves the father of Telangana. When the police issue notices, they claim it is an attack on the whole of Telangana. This is not acceptable in a democracy,” he said.

Questioning the ‘Father of Telangana’ Narrative

The Chief Minister questioned the comparison with national leaders, stating that true leadership involved sacrifice.

“Mahatma Gandhi sacrificed his position and life for the nation. What sacrifice have those calling themselves the father of Telangana made?” he asked.

Quoting B. R. Ambedkar, Revanth Reddy said democratic systems demand accountability and investigation when wrongdoings occur.

Examples from Democratic History

Citing past precedents, the Chief Minister recalled that even leaders like former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren had faced investigations.

“The era of medieval emperors, who equated their suffering with that of the kingdom, is long over. In a democracy, mistakes invite scrutiny,” he said.

Reference to arrests during BRS Rule

Revanth Reddy also referred to the arrest of Professor Kodandaram during the BRS regime, alleging selective outrage.

“Doors were broken, and people were taken into custody then. Today, only notices were issued. Where was the concern for democratic values at that time?” he asked.

Tribute to Ravi Narayana Reddy

Highlighting the legacy of freedom fighter Ravi Narayana Reddy, the Chief Minister said true activists made personal sacrifices for Telangana.

“Despite being born into a feudal family, Ravi Narayana Reddy donated 500 acres of land to the poor and fought against forced labour. He was elected to Parliament with a larger majority than even Jawaharlal Nehru,” he noted.

Award Presentation

Revanth Reddy expressed satisfaction over the Ravi Narayana Reddy National Award being conferred on former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy, calling it a fitting recognition.

Attack on BJP and ‘One Nation, One Party’

The Chief Minister alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pushing the idea of “One Nation, One Party” and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to undermine voting rights through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

He urged Left parties and democratic forces to create awareness at the grassroots, warning that the Constitution and the right to vote were under threat.