‘One God for vegetarians, one for …’: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s remarks on Hindu deities sparks row | Hyderabad News

HYDERABAD: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday addressed the executive meeting of the state Congress, highlighting the diversity within the party and drawing an analogy with Hindu religion.“The Congress takes along all types of individuals. One says he will worship Lord Venkateswara, another says he will worship Hanuman. When we could not bring consensus on gods, I don’t think we can have consensus on political leaders and DCC presidents,” he said, according to news agency PTI.He further explained the variety of Hindu worship practices, saying, “How many gods are there for Hindus? Three crores? There is Hanuman for those who are not married. There is another god for those who marry twice. There are local deities where toddy and non-vegetarian food are served during certain events and there are gods worshipped by those who eat ‘dal rice’ (vegetarians).”The CM’s comments came amid reports of unease within the Congress over the appointment of new District Congress Committee (DCC) chiefs.BJP leaders in Telangana, including Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, criticized the remarks. In a statement, Kishan Reddy said the chief minister, during the recent Jubilee Hills bypoll campaign, had stated that “Congress means Muslims and Muslims mean Congress”.The CM appears to be making arrogant comments against Hindus and Hindu gods and goddesses because of his friendship with the AIMIM, he said. “The time has come for Hindus to unite in Telangana also. The time has come to show the power of Hindus to Revanth Reddy and Congress party,” he said.Sanjay Kumar added, “Hindu society should think now whether they want to face insults by remaining divided or show their power by ensuring unity. BJP never insults other religions. BJP respects all religions.”State BJP president N Ramchander Rao announced protests across Telangana on December 3 against Revanth Reddy’s comments, including the burning of effigies.