Revanth Reddy Says Shiva Is God of Poor, Ram God of Rich; BJP Hits Back

Revanth Reddy's Remarks on Lord Shiva and Lord Ram

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy sparked a political controversy during an event in New Delhi after making remarks contrasting the religious and political symbolism associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Ram.

Reddy questioned the BJP's frequent use of the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” and asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders do not similarly use “Har Har Mahadev” at public events. He also spoke about perceived differences between the political and cultural identities of North and South India.

‘Shiva Is God of the Poor, Ram God of the Rich’

Reddy described Lord Shiva as the “God of the poor” and Lord Ram as the “God of the rich”. He also characterised the BJP as a party representing wealthy sections while discussing the party's political success in several northern states.

Reddy further alleged that the BJP had “stolen” Lord Ram as an emotional and political symbol in North India. His remarks were made while explaining what he described as differences in political and religious traditions between northern and southern India.

Reddy Questions BJP's Use of ‘Jai Shri Ram’

During his remarks, Reddy questioned why BJP leaders frequently use “Jai Shri Ram” but, according to him, do not similarly use “Har Har Mahadev”.

He linked the difference to regional political culture and argued that Lord Shiva has a stronger cultural association in parts of South India, while Lord Ram has been used prominently in political messaging in North India.

BJP Leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar Responds

Union Minister and BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar strongly criticised Reddy's comments.

Sanjay Kumar argued that Lord Ram and Lord Shiva should not be divided along North-South or political lines. He pointed to Telangana's religious centres associated with both deities, including Vemulawada, known as “Dakshina Kashi”, and Bhadrachalam, associated with Lord Ram.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's association with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while responding to Reddy's comments about BJP leaders and Lord Shiva.

Political Debate Over Religious Symbolism

The exchange has added to an ongoing political debate over the use of religious imagery, slogans and regional identities in electoral politics.

Reddy's comments were made in the context of a broader discussion about why the Congress has had different electoral performances across northern and southern states. The BJP's response focused on Reddy's characterisation of Lord Ram and Lord Shiva and accused him of creating political divisions between the two deities.

Reddy Also Raises SIR and Delimitation Issues

During the same broader political discussion, Reddy also spoke about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies.

He alleged that the electoral-roll exercise could result in voters being removed and argued that such developments could benefit the BJP. These are political allegations made by Reddy; the BJP has disputed his broader criticism of the electoral process.

BJP's Response Intensifies the Political Row

The BJP's criticism has turned Reddy's comments into a wider political dispute over religion, regional identity and political messaging.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar said Telangana itself has prominent religious centres dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Ram, arguing that the two traditions cannot be separated geographically in the manner suggested by Reddy.

Key Takeaways

• Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy described Lord Shiva as the “God of the poor” and Lord Ram as the “God of the rich”.

• Reddy alleged that the BJP had “stolen” Lord Ram as a political symbol in North India.

• He questioned the BJP's use of “Jai Shri Ram” and asked why its leaders do not similarly use “Har Har Mahadev”.

• BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised Reddy's remarks and referred to Telangana's religious centres associated with both deities.

• The comments have triggered a wider political debate over religious symbolism and regional identity.