BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra on Wednesday launched a sharp counterattack against Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, stating that while the Congress leader may wish to crush the BJP, the nation has a 'crush' on the ruling party. Patra termed Reddy's recent comments as 'objectionable and condemnable.'
Context of the Remarks
The exchange began when Revanth Reddy, during a public rally, made remarks perceived as targeting the BJP. He allegedly stated that the BJP wanted to 'crush' certain regional parties and opponents. In response, Patra accused Reddy of using inflammatory language and failing to respect democratic norms.
BJP's Strong Rebuttal
Addressing the media, Patra said, 'You want to crush BJP, but the nation has a crush on BJP. Your words reflect the frustration of a party that has lost its ground across India.' He further added that the BJP's growing popularity is evidenced by its electoral successes in recent state and national elections.
Political Fallout
Political analysts suggest that this war of words could intensify the rivalry between the BJP and Congress in Telangana, where the BJP has been making inroads. The state, traditionally a Congress stronghold, has seen the BJP gain traction in recent years, particularly in urban areas and among youth voters.
According to a 2025 survey by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, the BJP's vote share in Telangana increased from 7% in 2019 to 15% in 2024, while the Congress saw a decline from 40% to 35% in the same period. This shift has made the state a key battleground for both parties.
Revanth Reddy's Response
As of now, Revanth Reddy has not issued a direct response to Patra's comments. However, sources close to the CM indicate that he stands by his earlier statements and believes the BJP is attempting to divert attention from local issues such as unemployment and farmer distress.
