Revanth Reddy’s ‘stretcher’ remark against KCR sparks outrage

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has found himself at the center of a major political controversy following his provocative remarks against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). Speaking at a government event at Ravindra Bharathi on March 12, 2025, Reddy declared, “They are talking about his stature, but the truth is that we have put him on a stretcher, and he will soon end up in the mortuary.”

The comment, widely perceived as a personal attack, has drawn sharp condemnation from political leaders and the public alike. The inflammatory nature of the remark has further strained relations between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS, adding fuel to an already heated political rivalry.

Political backlash

K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of BRS, promptly responded by launching a scathing attack on Reddy via social media. “This mad dog has crossed every single limit of decency,” KTR wrote on X, urging Reddy’s family to seek mental health support for him. He added, “Get well soon, cheap minister,” intensifying the war of words between the two camps.

Former minister and senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao also strongly condemned Reddy’s statement, calling it disrespectful and immature. “Your comments on KCR, who is of your father’s age and stature, are unwarranted,” Harish Rao remarked. He accused Reddy of setting a dangerous precedent in political discourse, vowing that the BRS would seek justice in the “people’s court.”

Protests and legal action

The controversy has sparked widespread protests from BRS supporters, who took to the streets to express their outrage. Demonstrators gathered outside the Telangana Secretariat, burning effigies of Reddy and demanding an immediate apology. Some party leaders escalated the matter by filing a formal complaint at a Hyderabad police station, alleging that Reddy’s remarks incited hostility and violated democratic norms.

The police have acknowledged the complaint and are reportedly reviewing the matter, though no official action has been taken against the Chief Minister as of now.

Telangana’s political climate

Political analysts view this latest episode as part of the ongoing power struggle between Reddy and KCR, a rivalry that has only deepened since Congress ended BRS’s decade-long rule in the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections. While Reddy has positioned himself as a combative leader aiming to dismantle KCR’s political legacy, his latest outburst has raised concerns over the tone of political discourse in the state.

“Such rhetoric reflects high stress and impulsivity, unbecoming of a chief minister,” noted a Hyderabad-based political commentator. Experts suggest that while Reddy’s aggressive stance might energize his supporters, it also risks damaging his image among moderate voters who expect dignity and restraint from their leaders.

Congress’s silence

Despite the growing controversy, the Congress party has largely remained silent, neither defending nor distancing itself from Reddy’s remarks. Some party insiders have privately expressed concerns that such remarks could alienate voters who value decorum in political debates.

All eyes are now focused on KCR as the fallout from Reddy’s statement continues. Having remained relatively silent in recent months, political observers are keen to see whether this provocation will draw him back into active political engagement.

For now, the ‘stretcher’ remark has only deepened the political divide in Telangana, setting the stage for even more intense battles in the days ahead.