# BJP demands apology from Telangana CM over Ram-Shiva remarks

2026-09-29T13:06:51+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Telangana BJP chief N Ramchander Rao has demanded a public apology from Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for remarks contrasting Lord Ram and Lord Shiva. Speaking at a media event, Reddy claimed Lord Shiva is the "God of the poor" and Lord Ram the "God of the rich", and alleged the BJP has political control over Lord Ram in the north while ignoring Lord Shiva. BJP leaders accused Reddy of trying to divide the Hindu community for electoral gain. Rao said the remarks were "absurd and insulting" and called for protests, including effigy burning. Union minister Sanjay Kumar Bandi said Reddy was drawing "political boundaries" between the deities. Congress defended Reddy. Telangana Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud said the remarks were directed at BJP's politics in the name of Lord Ram, and described the difference as one of appearance: Lord Ram wears ornaments while Lord Shiva wears little clothing. Goud said both gods are worshipped equally.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

BJP sources uniformly frame Reddy's remarks as a deliberate attempt to divide Hindus for electoral gain, and focus on his demand for an apology. The Congress source instead foregrounds the party's defence, presenting Reddy's comments as a critique of BJP's religious politics. Neither side engages with the theological question of whether such distinctions exist in Hindu worship. The coverage shows a political fight over religious framing ahead of local polls, with each party accusing the other of exploiting faith. The Election Commission may be asked to examine whether Reddy's remarks violate the Model Code of Conduct if polls are announced soon.

## Coverage

- economictimes.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/revanth-reddy-has-converted-himself-into-revanthuddin-telangana-bjp-chief-demands-apology-over-cms-ram-shiva-remarks/articleshow/134564159.cms>
  Reports BJP's criticism and demand for apology without editorialising, includes direct quotes from both sides
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/revanth-reddys-rich-god-poor-god-ram-shiva-remark-faces-heat-bjp-slams-telangana-cm-absurd-statement-101790683369721.html>
  Balances BJP's attack with Congress's defence, quotes both parties and uses wire copy
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/revanth-reddys-ram-shiva-remarks-congress-defends-telangana-cm-as-bjp-demands-apology/articleshow/134565836.cms>
  Leads with Congress defence, includes BJP response and union minister's comment, wire-style

Tags: BJP, Congress, Lord Ram, N. Ramchander Rao, Revanth Reddy, Telangana
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