BJP Taking Inspiration from Kim Jong Un: Revanth Reddy on Meenakshi Natarajan Row
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of drawing inspiration from North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un by attempting to establish a single-party state with no political opposition. His remarks came amid the controversy surrounding the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh.
Addressing reporters in the national capital, Reddy stated, "The BJP is increasingly adopting the route of Kim Jong Un by stifling electoral democracy. When they were unsuccessful at 'vote-chori' (stealing of votes), they have resorted to 'seat-chori' (stealing of seats). The rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination is very unfortunate and a black day for democracy."
Allegations Against Returning Officer
The chief minister also labeled the returning officer a "stooge of the BJP", asserting that poll officials are increasingly acting like "BJP karyakartas (workers)". He further claimed, "It is not a hidden fact that the saffron party is anti-democracy, anti-women and anti-Gandhian philosophy. The BJP's fielding of a third candidate (in the Rajya Sabha polls) was against the constitution."
Background of the Controversy
Natarajan's nomination was rejected by the Election Commission following complaints that she had not disclosed details of a case against her in her nomination papers. The case in question is said to have been filed against the Congress leader in Telangana. The rejection came on a complaint by senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya.
The case against Natarajan, who is also the Congress Telangana in-charge, involves a private complaint by former corporate executive A Srilatha. The complaint, first filed in 2022, pertains to the conduct of state Congress leader Kumbham Shivakumar Reddy. Srilatha had claimed that certain political leaders provided political patronage or failed to act despite being informed of her allegations.
Chief Minister Reddy clarified that under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Natarajan and others were not accused but respondents, as the court had not taken cognizance of the matter. The case is in a preliminary stage awaiting hearing. "So, there is no case, no FIR, or sabotaging efforts. The rejection of Natarajan's nomination is purely political," he emphasized.
Telangana's Demands at NITI Aayog Meeting
When asked about Telangana's participation at Thursday's NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, the Congress leader stated that he raised demands for the formation of industrial clusters, Metro Rail expansion, an airport at Warangal, establishment of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM), better road connectivity, and resolution of water issues related to his state.
Reddy also accused Union Minister Kishan Reddy of jeopardizing Telangana's growth trajectory. "Tell me one instance when the minister has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded better infrastructure for the state he belongs to. He is occupying a position in the Union cabinet, yet he has done nothing meaningful for Telangana," Reddy claimed.
