Revanth Reddy’s plan for digital media regulation sparks debate

BRS leaders accuse the Chief Minister of hypocrisy; say that he once encouraged YouTube-based journalists to target the previous government

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s proposal to regulate digital media has triggered a debate on free speech and political duplicity. While social media platforms, particularly YouTube channels, have become battlegrounds for political abuse, the Chief Minister’s own past remarks have come under scrutiny.

Revanth Reddy, known for his aggressive rhetoric, had used abusive language as TPCC president before the Assembly elections and continues to do so as Chief Minister. Even while proposing to bring legislation to regulate abusive language on digital platforms, he threatened to “strip, thrash, and parade” those posting offensive content, drawing sharp criticism for the language he used, ironically to threaten those allegedly using abusive language against him.

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“Those who are posing as journalists and commit mistakes will be viewed as criminals. They will be stripped, chased and thrashed,” he said, again stating quite ironically that whatever he did, would be done as per law. This raised the question of which law permitted the stripping, thrashing and parading of any person.

BRS leaders have accused him of hypocrisy, pointing out that he once encouraged YouTube-based journalists to target the previous BRS government. They reminded his support for suspended MLC Chintapandu Naveen alias Teenmaar Mallanna, notorious for using abusive language on his channel.

While none would support the abusive language on social media, especially digital media, the Chief Minister’s remarks in the Assembly regarding the arrest of two women journalists and threats of public humiliation of his critics, have been condemned. BRS leaders argue that his calls for women’s empowerment stand in stark contrast to such statements.

Citing “the law of karma”, BRS MLC K Kavitha said that Revanth Reddy was now facing the same hostility he once directed at his opponents, proving that political rhetoric often comes full circle. She reminded that Revanth Reddy did not spare even children in her family and made disgusting comments against the BRS leaders for nearly six years.