Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accuses BJP of undermining democracy through SIR, calls for Congress–Left unity at CPI centenary event in Khammam.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party on January 18, accusing it of threatening democratic institutions and the Constitution. Speaking at a public meeting in Khammam during the centenary celebrations of the Communist Party of India (CPI), he called for a united political fight to safeguard democracy.

The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP was attempting to weaken the electoral rights of the poor through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He claimed the ruling party at the Centre was working towards permanently entrenching itself in power and compared the perceived threat to democracy with challenges faced during colonial rule.

Revanth Reddy said that while leaders like B. R. Ambedkar ensured universal voting rights, the BJP was now trying to undermine those rights indirectly. He warned that marginalised communities could face broader consequences, including the loss of welfare benefits, if voter exclusion continued under SIR.

Criticising the Narendra Modi-led government, the Chief Minister also accused it of dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme, arguing that the programme had reduced migration by providing assured rural employment.

Highlighting historical parallels, Revanth Reddy said both the Congress and Communist movements played decisive roles in India’s freedom struggle and post-Independence reforms. He recalled the Left’s role in advocating land rights and minimum support prices, while noting that Congress translated several of these demands into legislation.

Revanth Reddy’s remarks signal a renewed attempt to consolidate Congress–Left unity ahead of future electoral battles, especially on issues tied to voting rights and welfare. By framing SIR as a threat to the poor, the Congress appears to be positioning itself as a defender of constitutional guarantees. For voters, the debate could sharpen focus on how administrative exercises impact access to both ballots and benefits, making electoral reforms a key political flashpoint in the months ahead.