Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and its chief, former CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), over the ongoing phone tapping investigation, accusing the party of hypocrisy and political arrogance.

Reacting strongly to BRS leaders questioning the issuance of notices to what they called the “Jathipitha” (father of Telangana), Revanth Reddy dismissed such claims as self-awarded titles with no moral standing. He remarked that it was laughable for political leaders to project themselves as larger-than-life figures while being subject to serious allegations.

“Some people conveniently label themselves as the ‘father of Telangana.’ They claim to be movement leaders, but their actions tell a completely different story,” Revanth Reddy said. Drawing a comparison with Mahatma Gandhi, the chief minister stressed that true leadership is earned through sacrifice, not self-promotion. “Gandhiji gave up power and ultimately his life. What sacrifices have those calling themselves ‘Jathipitha’ actually made?” he questioned.

Revanth Reddy further challenged the moral authority of BRS leaders by recalling how several genuine Telangana activists were treated during KCR’s regime. He cited the arrest of Telangana movement ideologue Professor Kodandaram, who was detained during the BRS government. “Wasn’t Professor Kodandaram a movement leader? Didn’t your government break doors to arrest him? Where was your respect for activists then?” he asked, adding that issuing notices and questioning leaders today is part of a democratic process.

Accusing BRS leaders of exploiting the Telangana movement for personal gain, Revanth Reddy said many true activists had sacrificed everything, while others amassed power and wealth. “People like Ravi Narayana Reddy lost everything for Telangana. But those who accumulated positions and thousands of crores—how can they call themselves movement warriors?” he remarked.

Invoking Dr B R Ambedkar, the chief minister underlined that accountability is non-negotiable in a democracy. “Ambedkar made it clear that those who take illegal paths must face investigation. Even leaders like Shibu Soren were probed. We are not divine beings,” he said.

Revanth Reddy concluded by asserting that the era of projecting personal legal troubles as an attack on the state is over. “In a democracy, anyone who commits wrongdoing must face inquiry. No one is above the Constitution,” he declared.