Telangana CM divides Hindu deities by class, region; calls Shiva 'God of poor', Ram 'God of rich'

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy drew criticism after remarks at a media event in New Delhi on September 28 that divided Hindu deities along class and regional lines. He stated that South Indians are Dravidians who worship Lord Shiva as the "God of the poor," while North Indians are Aryans devoted to Lord Ram, whom he characterized as the "God of the rich" associated with the BJP.

Reddy claimed the BJP had "stolen" Ram as an emotion and sentiment. He questioned why the party frequently uses "Jai Shri Ram" slogans but rarely invokes "Har Har Mahadev" at public events.

The remarks drew scrutiny for extending Congress's long-standing political divisions to religious figures. Critics pointed to the party's 2007 affidavit during UPA-1 rule, which questioned historical proof of Lord Ram's existence in ancient texts.