Revanth’s Ram-Shiva remarks trigger backlash, draw accusations of vote-bank politics

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's remarks contrasting Lord Ram and Lord Shiva and linking them to regional and economic identities have drawn criticism from social media users and political opponents, who accused the Congress of pursuing divisive vote-bank politics.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s comments on Lord Ram and Lord Shiva, and his attempt to draw political and regional boundaries between their devotees, have triggered a backlash from different sections, with many questioning what they described as the Congress party’s vote-bank politics.

At a conclave in New Delhi on Monday, the Chief Minister said, “We South Indians are Dravidians, while leaders from North India are Aryans. We are Shiva bhakts (devotees), while North Indian leaders are Ram bhakts.”

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He further said, “Sri Ram is the God of the rich, while Shiva is the God of the poor.”

His comments, however, have not gone down well with many people.

Amit Kumar Sindhi, an influencer on X, said, “Shame on Revanth Reddy. After dividing people on the basis of religion, caste and rich vs poor, the Congress is now stooping to the level of dividing even Gods.”

Reacting to the Chief Minister’s remarks that Lord Ram is the God of the rich and Lord Shiva is the God of the poor, he said, “I have honestly never heard such a disgusting and absurd statement from a political leader. Imagine dragging even Lord Ram and Lord Shiva into your petty political divisions. Revanth Reddy being called one of the most shameless politicians is not without reason.”

Writer Bala also criticised the Chief Minister’s remarks on X, saying, “Division is so ingrained in the DNA of Congressis that after dividing Hindus, now they even want to divide our Gods. These Congressis test water with such statements and then increase the intensity of the attack if Hindus don’t retaliate enough.”

His comments also evoked strong reactions from different political parties, with many condemning the remarks and questioning what they described as vote-bank politics.