HYDRAA inspired by Hitler: Revanth Reddy's remark on encroachment drive triggers row

Telangana Chief Minister and Congress leader Revanth Reddy has sparked a major political row after claiming that the name of the state's anti-encroachment task force was inspired by Adolf Hitler. The remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition forces, including the BJP and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

Speaking on Saturday at a conclave in Bengaluru, Reddy asserted that the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) drew its name and concept from the German dictator's alleged fondness for the word 'Hydra.'

"Hydra, the word is Hitler's favourite word. His core team was called Hydra, who could assassinate anyone. So, I have taken inspiration from Hitler and named it Hydraa," the Chief Minister stated during an interview at the event.

Historical experts quickly noted that there is no factual evidence supporting Reddy's assertion linking Hitler's inner circle to the word "Hydra," pointing out that the term actually referenced a British Royal Air Force bombing mission against Nazi Germany.

KTR ACCUSES REVANTH REDDY OF FASCIST MINDSET

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao launched a sharp attack on CM Reddy over his remarks, claiming that "Hitler is clearly Revanth Reddy's inspiration."

He alleged that HYDRAA embodied a style of governance that "glorifies force, intimidation and demolitions" and described the agency as an "assassination agency" that targets the homes and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

"You celebrate dictators and take pride in demolishing the homes of poor and middle-class families. Telangana already knows your authoritarian nature. By publicly expressing admiration for Hitler-inspired methods, you have exposed your fascist thinking before the entire country," KTR said.

The BRS leader contrasted the Congress government's approach with that of the previous BRS administration, saying, "Our ideals are Dr BR Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Professor Jayashankar, not Hitler." He added that the BRS had governed Telangana according to constitutional principles and democratic values during its decade in power.

KTR also questioned whether the Congress high command endorsed such remarks and accused the state government of relying on coercion and demolitions rather than governance and welfare. He also asserted that "Telangana will reject dictatorship," warning that governments targeting people's homes instead of solving their problems would ultimately face the people's verdict.

EMERGENCY MINDSET OUT AGAIN: SHEHZAD POONAWALLA

Following the remark, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla launched a blistering attack against the Congress Party and the Telangana Chief Minister.

The BJP leader accused Reddy of displaying a dangerous Hitler and Emergency mindset and questioned whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would take action against him.

In a post on X, Poonawalla wrote, "Congress' dangerous Hitler, Emergency mindset out in the open yet again."

"Revanth Reddy, now openly boasting that Hitler inspired him to create HYDRAA. This is Congress' tanashahi mindset. From Indira's Emergency to Revanth's crackdown on journalists and students," he added.

The BJP spokesperson also targeted Revanth Reddy over his comments regarding regional disparity, in which the Telangana Chief Minister reportedly questioned the concentration of national leadership and high tax burdens on southern states.

"The President is from North India. The Prime Minister is from North India," Reddy was quoted as saying. "We do not want to live as second-class citizens, paying taxes while being expected to salute Delhi."

Calling the remarks divisive, Poonawalla accused the Congress leader of displaying "Jinnah tendencies" and attempting to create a North-South divide.

"PM is from Gujarat. Our first tribal President is from Odisha. But after DK Suresh, he is advocating for Bharat Todo and Tukde," the spokesperson wrote, comparing Reddy with Mohammad Ali Jinnah.