‘Stricter punishment for insulting faiths’: Revanth Reddy announces new law
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday announced that the Congress-led state government is planning to introduce a new law to punish those who insult any religion, with amendments to existing laws to ensure stricter penalties for religious abuse.
Addressing a government-organised Christmas celebration in Hyderabad, Reddy said the proposed legislation would be brought during the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly to curb religious hatred and protect communal harmony.
The Chief Minister also stressed that minorities must receive the full benefits of welfare schemes, adding that long-pending graveyard-related issues of Christians and Muslims would be resolved soon.
Calling December a “Miracle Month” for both Telangana and the Congress, Reddy highlighted that the state’s formation and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s birthday fall in the same month.
“Sonia Gandhi was born on December 9. After many young people sacrificed their lives for a separate Telangana, and despite suffering a huge political loss in Andhra Pradesh, she delivered Telangana,” he said.
In a video from the event that has since gone viral, Reddy is heard saying, “The reason we are celebrating the Christmas festival here today is because of the contribution of Sonia Gandhi.”
Opposition slams remarks
The comments sparked sharp reactions from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Telangana BJP shared the video on X, accusing the Chief Minister of “sycophancy”.
“Christmas is being celebrated here today due to the sacrifice and contribution of Sonia Gandhi. Next, we’ll be told the sun rises because of the Gandhi family. When sycophancy crosses all limits, everything is hijacked for political bootlicking,” the BJP said.
Christmas is being celebrated here today due to the sacrifice and contribution of Sonia Gandhi.
— BJP Telangana (@BJP4Telangana) December 20, 2025
- Revanth Reddy, CM of Congress ruled Telangana
Next, we’ll be told the sun rises because of the Gandhi family.
When sycophancy crosses all limits, everything is hijacked for… pic.twitter.com/i67XxmxYKF
The BRS also criticised the remarks, sharing the clip and questioning the Chief Minister’s statement linking Christmas celebrations to Sonia Gandhi’s role.
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