Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is facing backlash after recent remarks concerning Hindu deities, sparking a political firestorm with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing him of "inherent Hinduphobic DNA". The controversy arose after Reddy questioned the multiplicity of gods in Hinduism, allegedly stating that there is "one god for drinkers...one for those who are unmarried – Hanuman".

Reddy's comments, made at an event, have been widely interpreted as mocking Hindu beliefs and rituals. He questioned the existence of "three crore" gods and appeared to categorize deities based on specific preferences or demographics, referencing gods "for those who marry twice" and "for hen sacrifice".

The BJP has reacted sharply, condemning the remarks as an insult to Hindu sentiments. BJP leaders have demanded an immediate apology from the Chief Minister, with some accusing him of displaying an "anti-Hindu attitude". The BJP state unit has particularly criticized Reddy, alleging his comments reveal a Congress mindset of "appeasement".

BRS leader Rakesh Reddy Anugula also criticized Revanth Reddy and demanded an apology. Anugula stated that mocking Hindu deities has become a fashion.

This isn't the first time Reddy has faced criticism for his statements about Hindu gods. In the past, he controversially stated that those "seeking something with a photo of god was a beggar, not a Hindu". He also said, "God should be in the temple, and devotion should be in the heart. Only such people are the real Hindus. BJP leaders put a photo of god on the roads and seek votes".

The BJP has used this opportunity to attack the Congress party, claiming Reddy's remarks expose the party's "inherent Hinduphobic DNA". Some BJP leaders are pointing to the incident as evidence of the Congress party prioritizing Muslim votes over Hindu sentiments, further stoking the political tensions. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has previously accused Revanth Reddy of an "anti-Hindu attitude," particularly concerning police action against protestors.

Reddy's supporters have defended him, stating that his comments were taken out of context and that he was merely questioning certain practices within Hinduism, not the faith itself. Some analysts suggest the BJP is using the controversy to polarize voters and consolidate its Hindu support base in Telangana.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, potentially impacting upcoming elections and further straining the relationship between the Congress government in Telangana and the BJP at the Centre. The incident highlights the charged political atmosphere surrounding religious issues in India and the potential for such remarks to be amplified and exploited for political gain.

The state government has yet to release an official statement addressing the controversy. It remains to be seen how this will affect Revanth Reddy's political standing and the broader political landscape in Telangana.