Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), making a significant political claim regarding their relationship with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, while during a press conference held in Hyderabad on Monday, February 9, 2026, the Chief Minister asserted that for the BJP, Owaisi is the actual 'God,' while the name of Lord Ram is invoked merely for public display. Reddy characterized the BJP's political strategy as a 'poverty of thought,' accusing the party of using Owaisi as a tool for electoral polarization.
The 'Life Line' and 'Aladdin's Lamp' Allegations
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy suggested a covert political understanding between the BJP and AIMIM. He stated that an analysis of the BJP's history reveals that Asaduddin Owaisi is their only true deity. ' He urged the media to investigate the frequency with which BJP leaders mention Owaisi compared to Lord Ram, while according to the Chief Minister, the BJP utilizes Owaisi as 'Aladdin's Magic Lamp' to secure votes by creating a narrative of fear and opposition.
Questioning Administrative Inaction and Contradictions
Reddy raised questions about the contradictions between the BJP's rhetoric and the actions of the central government. He asked why, if the BJP considers Owaisi such a significant 'villain,' their government fails to exercise control over him. He noted that AIMIM is a legitimate political organization participating in elections across various states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, while reddy argued that labeling political opponents as 'devils' to incite religious hatred for political survival is detrimental to democratic values. He called upon the people of Telangana to reflect on whether they should support a party that relies on such tactics.
Evolving Dynamics Between Congress and AIMIM
The political landscape in Telangana has witnessed a shift since the 2023 Assembly elections. While Revanth Reddy and Asaduddin Owaisi were fierce critics of each other during the campaign, a more pragmatic relationship has emerged following the formation of the Congress government. The Chief Minister has recently emphasized cooperation with AIMIM on developmental issues concerning Hyderabad and the Old City, while although no formal alliance exists between the two parties, the increasing administrative coordination suggests a strategic realignment aimed at regional stability and development.
Analysis of Political Implications
According to political analysts, Revanth Reddy's statements are a strategic move to counter the BJP's narrative ahead of upcoming local body elections. By accusing the BJP of relying on Owaisi, the Congress aims to neutralize the 'appeasement' charges often leveled against it. Experts suggest that this rhetoric is designed to portray the BJP and AIMIM as mutually beneficial entities that thrive on polarization to divide secular votes. This shift in discourse is expected to make the political competition in Telangana more intense as parties vie for the narrative lead.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Chief Minister's remarks have ignited a fresh political debate in Telangana, while while the BJP has dismissed these allegations as baseless, Reddy's firm stance indicates that the Congress is prepared to challenge the BJP's ideological narrative directly. The coming days will be crucial in observing how the BJP responds to these specific charges and whether AIMIM clarifies its position amidst this crossfire. For now, the 'Owaisi factor' remains a central theme in Telangana's political discourse, adding layers of complexity to the state's electoral dynamics.