Revanth Reddy’s tirade against social media journalists triggers backlash within Congress

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s criticism of social media journalists has drawn sharp condemnation from Congress MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy and others. The remarks have triggered protests from digital journalists who warned of campaigning against the Congress government if he doesn’t retract.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s outburst against social media journalists and his inability to take criticism has drawn strong condemnation from within the Congress and other quarters.

Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, who has been a vocal critic of the Chief Minister on multiple issues, including his claim of continuing in office for 10 years, slammed Revanth Reddy’s remarks on social media journalists.

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Taking to X on Monday, Rajgopal Reddy said: “Social media, which works with social responsibility, should be respected. Insulting them is not justified.”

He added: “Since the beginning, social media has been working in accordance with the aspirations of Telangana society. My support will always be with social media journalists who work with commitment.”

The Munugode MLA further stated: “Inciting the mainstream media to alienate social media journalists is nothing but a clear attempt to divide and rule. Telangana society will not tolerate such cunning conspiracies.”

The remarks have raised eyebrows, especially since the Congress high command has actively promoted the use of social media to target its political opponents.

In fact, during a meeting in October last year with party social media workers, then AICC Telangana in-charge Deepa Das Munshi had urged them to intensify their campaign against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

AICC Social Media and Digital Platforms Chairperson Supriya Shrinate was the chief guest at the event. Addressing the gathering, Das Munshi even admitted that the party’s social media wing was lagging in the digital space.

“Every month, whoever goes viral on social media platforms and secures top position in the State will be given a prize,” she had said.

In contrast, critics say, the Chief Minister appears unable to handle even mild criticism of himself or his governance on social media.

Taking strong exception to his recent remarks, several social media journalists gathered in the city on Sunday and denounced the CM’s use of abusive language and his approach towards digital journalists.

They demanded that he withdraw his comments and reminded him that he had once sought their support in ousting the previous BRS government.

The group warned that unless the Chief Minister mended his ways, they would work solely towards dislodging the Congress government in Telangana.