A political row has erupted in Telangana over the denial of political clearance for Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's proposed visit to the United States, with BJP MLA Palvai Harish Babu accusing the chief minister of making false claims about the issue.

Harish Babu alleged that the state government and the chief minister's team had not followed the required procedure while seeking clearance for the foreign visit. The BJP MLA said Reddy was now blaming the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after permission was not granted.

What Did Harish Babu Say?

Harish Babu accused Revanth Reddy of “spreading blatant lies” and claimed that the chief minister had not provided all the required details to the MEA in advance.

He further alleged that Reddy's proposed US itinerary included meetings that had not been properly communicated to the ministry. These claims are political allegations by the BJP MLA and have not been independently established in the available reports.

The BJP MLA also questioned the chief minister's handling of international engagements, arguing that a state chief minister travelling abroad represents the country in official forums and therefore needs to follow the prescribed clearance process.

Revanth Reddy Questions Centre

The BJP MLA's remarks came after Revanth Reddy questioned the Centre over the refusal to clear his proposed US trip.

According to the report, Reddy said the state government had submitted comprehensive details of the proposed visit but was informed that the tour had been rejected on “political considerations”. He questioned why his earlier visit to England was permitted while the US trip was denied.

Reddy also asked the Centre to explain the political reasons behind the decision. He alleged that the proposed visit could have helped Telangana attract investment and suggested that blocking the trip was connected to concerns over the state's economic growth.

Political Clearance Becomes Fresh Flashpoint

The disagreement has now turned into another political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress-led Telangana government.

Harish Babu's comments represent the BJP's version of why the clearance was denied, while Reddy has questioned the Centre's explanation and sought greater clarity on the decision. The competing claims underline the political nature of the dispute, with both sides presenting different accounts of the circumstances surrounding the proposed US visit.

Palvai Harish Babu is the BJP MLA from Sirpur in Telangana, according to the Telangana government's official legislature records.

At present, the central issue remains the reason for the denial of political clearance and the competing explanations offered by the state government and the BJP. Any further clarification from the MEA or the Telangana government could provide more details on the decision.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s planned visit to the United States has been cancelled after the Centre did not grant the required clearance, the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Friday.

Reddy, who is currently in London as part of an official Telangana Rising delegation, was scheduled to travel from the UK to the US before returning to Hyderabad on August 30. He will now return to Telangana on August 23 instead.

The CMO alleged that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refused permission for the US leg of the trip on "political grounds". The Centre’s position on the allegation was not included in the statement issued by the Telangana government.

US Leg Of Tour Cancelled

According to the CMO, the official delegation led by Reddy had planned a series of engagements in the US after completing his UK programme.

The chief minister was scheduled to travel to Boston on August 24 and visit Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was also expected to interact with the Virginia Tech team in Boston on August 25.

The delegation had further planned engagements in New York, including a programme organised by the US chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress on August 26.

The cancellation means these planned engagements will no longer take place as scheduled.

Reddy Currently In London

Reddy arrived in London on August 20. His UK itinerary includes engagements at Oxford University, Cambridge University, the University of London and London Business School.

He was also scheduled to attend an English Premier League football event at Emirates Stadium as part of the London programme.

After completing his UK engagements, Reddy was expected to continue to the United States. Instead, the chief minister will now return directly to Hyderabad.

Telangana CMO Raises Political Allegation

The Telangana government has described the denial of clearance as a political decision.

In its statement, the CMO said the "official Telangana Rising delegation" had been forced to cancel its US visit because the MEA had refused clearance on political grounds.

The statement did not provide details of what the Telangana government believes were the political reasons behind the Centre's decision.

Clearance from the Union government is required for certain official visits by serving chief ministers and other public representatives abroad.

Planned US Engagements

The proposed US visit was intended to include academic and diaspora engagements.

Reddy's schedule included meetings at Harvard and MIT, along with an interaction with the Virginia Tech team. The New York programme was expected to provide an opportunity to engage with members of the Indian diaspora through the US chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress.

The Telangana government has been promoting its "Telangana Rising" initiative to attract investment, strengthen international partnerships and showcase the state's economic and development priorities.

Return To Hyderabad On August 23

With the US leg cancelled, Reddy is now expected to return to Hyderabad on August 23 instead of August 30.

The development comes as the Telangana government continues its overseas outreach and investment-promotion activities. The cancellation of the US programme is likely to trigger a political debate in the state, particularly over the CMO's allegation that the clearance was denied for political reasons.

The Centre's response will be significant in establishing the reasons behind the decision and whether the denial was related to the proposed itinerary, administrative considerations or other factors.

 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has accused leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of allegedly performing “black magic” and rituals with the intention of destabilising and defaming the Congress government in the state.

Reddy made the remarks while addressing an event in Sangareddy on Saturday, where he participated in a smart ration card distribution programme. Without naming BRS MLA and senior party leader T. Harish Rao, the Chief Minister alleged that the former minister had visited temples in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to perform rituals against the state government.

The allegations have added another political flashpoint between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS, with Harish Rao rejecting the claims and accusing the Chief Minister of making false statements.

Reddy Links Rituals to Government

According to Reddy, BRS leaders were allegedly praying for drought, farmers' difficulties and the downfall of the Congress government.

The Chief Minister claimed that such activities were aimed at damaging the government's image and creating difficulties for the people of Telangana.

However, the allegations were presented as political claims, and no independent evidence was cited to establish that Harish Rao or other BRS leaders had performed black magic or rituals against the government.

Congress Had Made Similar Claim

Reddy's latest statement follows a similar allegation made earlier this month by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud.

On August 4, Goud had alleged that Harish Rao had performed what he described as “evil worship” or black magic with the intention of stopping rainfall in Telangana.

The issue resurfaced during Reddy's Sangareddy programme, with the Chief Minister repeating allegations concerning alleged rituals in neighbouring states.

The BRS has rejected the accusations and has sought to shift the discussion towards governance and public issues.

Reddy Highlights Farmer Support

While addressing the gathering, Reddy also highlighted the Congress government's welfare measures, particularly those aimed at farmers.

He said around ₹36,000 crore had been transferred to the bank accounts of approximately 70 lakh farmers under the Rythu Bharosa scheme.

The Chief Minister also said that despite the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, Telangana had received adequate water in the Godavari and Krishna river systems.

Reddy further highlighted the government's food distribution programme, saying more than 2 lakh quintals of rice are being distributed every month to around 3.48 crore beneficiaries.

Harish Rao Rejects Allegations

Harish Rao strongly rejected the Chief Minister's allegations and accused Reddy of making false statements on Independence Day.

The BRS leader said he had been consistently raising issues concerning the state government, including alleged corruption, incomplete implementation of farmer loan waivers and shortages of fertilisers.

Rao argued that these issues, rather than any alleged ritual activity, were the reason for his criticism of the government.

He said he would continue raising the concerns of farmers, unemployed youth and students.

Defamation Case Threat

Harish Rao also referred to the possibility of legal action over the allegations made against him.

He has indicated that a defamation case could be filed against the Chief Minister in connection with the claims.

The exchange comes amid an increasingly confrontational political atmosphere in Telangana, with the Congress government and the BRS continuing to attack each other's record and political conduct.

Political Fight Intensifies

The latest dispute over alleged black magic has added an unusual dimension to the ongoing Congress-BRS confrontation.

While the Congress has used the allegations to accuse the opposition of attempting to undermine the government, the BRS has maintained that its focus remains on issues affecting farmers, students and young people.

Neither side has presented publicly verified evidence establishing the claims of black magic. The controversy is therefore expected to remain primarily a political dispute unless further evidence or legal proceedings emerge.

The franchise will begin with Shrimad Bhagavatam Part-1, which is currently in production. The project has been conceived by Amrit Sagar Chopra and Akash Sagar Chopra, grandsons of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar. Amrit Sagar is directing the first installment, while the film is being produced under the banner of Sagar Pictures Entertainment. Spiritual teacher and author Sri M is serving as the research guide, and veteran producer Moti Sagar is mentoring the project.

Principal photography has commenced at Ramoji Film City. The inaugural muhurat ceremony was attended by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who formally launched the project and praised the effort to bring India's timeless epics to a new generation through cinema.

According to the filmmakers, the film series is based on the Bhagavata Mahapurana, one of Hinduism's most revered scriptures. The narrative will chronicle the life and teachings of Lord Krishna while also depicting several incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya, Varaha and Narasimha, alongside stories of Dhruva, King Prithu, Bharata and Sage Kapila. The makers say the films aim to combine scriptural authenticity with large-scale cinematic storytelling using modern filmmaking technology.

The technical team also brings international expertise to the production. Cinematographer Joel Schaefer has joined the project, while Academy Award-winning visual effects specialist Clyde Edwards is serving as executive producer. The visual effects work is being handled by Oscar-winning VFX company DNEG, which has collaborated on several major international productions.

Akash Sagar Chopra said the studio is entering a new phase by transforming itself from a traditional film and television production house into a global entertainment company driven by intellectual property, cinematic franchises and immersive experiences. He described Shrimad Bhagavatam as the foundation of that long-term vision, with plans to expand the mythology beyond films into gaming, music, consumer products and other entertainment formats.

Founded in 1954, Sagar Pictures has built a legacy spanning more than seven decades. The production house became a household name through television classics such as Ramayan and Shri Krishna, with its mythological programming reaching audiences across India and abroad. The company says its catalogue includes more than 55 television series and over 25 feature films.

The studio has dedicated the Shrimad Bhagavatam franchise to the memory of Ramanand Sagar and Leela Sagar. While casting details and a theatrical release schedule are yet to be announced, the makers have indicated that additional updates on Shrimad Bhagavatam Part-1 will be shared in the coming months as production progresses.

 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has said his government will soon move a resolution in the State Assembly seeking to reduce the minimum age for contesting elections to 21 years. The resolution will be forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consideration by the Centre.

Making the case for the proposed reform, Reddy questioned why young Indians who are eligible to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers at the age of 21 cannot also be allowed to contest elections for legislative bodies.

"If a 21-year-old can become an IAS officer, why should the same person not be eligible to become an MLA, MP or even a minister?" he said.

Greater Political Participation for Youth

Reddy argued that India's younger generation deserves greater representation in the country's democratic institutions.

Highlighting the demographic profile of the country, he said that Generation Z constitutes nearly 30 per cent of India's population, yet their representation in the Lok Sabha remains below one per cent. According to him, lowering the eligibility age would provide more opportunities for young people to participate directly in governance and policymaking.

Resolution to Be Sent to Centre

The Chief Minister said the Telangana Assembly would soon adopt a formal resolution supporting the proposal. Since the minimum age for contesting parliamentary and Assembly elections is governed by the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, any change would require action by Parliament.

The proposed resolution will therefore be sent to the Union Government for consideration.

Congress Cites Earlier Electoral Reform

Reddy also noted that the Congress has previously supported expanding youth participation in the democratic process.

He referred to the decision taken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, when the voting age in India was reduced from 21 years to 18 years through the 61st Constitutional Amendment in 1988, enabling millions of young citizens to exercise their franchise.

The controversy began when a journalist asked Reddy how farmers would cope if drought-like conditions persisted and irrigation water remained unavailable for crops. In response, Reddy turned his answer into a direct attack on the BRS leadership, invoking violent imagery about the two leaders and suggesting they bore responsibility for the state's troubles, accusing them of lying to the public. He went on to say the two needed corrective treatment and joked about sending experts to examine them, saying the government would cover the cost.

The underlying dispute centers on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The BRS has argued that despite drought conditions, sufficient water is available and that the Congress government should release it from the Kannepalli pump house. The state government has countered that it is following recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority, which has advised against holding water in the barrages over safety concerns. Reddy, defending his government's handling of the issue, said efforts to restore the project were already underway.

BRS MLA T Harish Rao objected strongly to the Chief Minister's language, demanding an unconditional apology. He told reporters he had simply asked the government to release water for farmers' fields, and that Reddy had responded by talking about spilling his blood instead. He questioned whether such language was appropriate from someone holding a constitutional post, and said he was prepared to give his own blood if that was truly the price of getting water to farmers.

BRS working president KTR fired back on X, calling the Chief Minister bloodthirsty and accusing him of having tormented Telangana for six decades. He said his party was willing to make any sacrifice for farmers and repeated the demand that the government release water to the fields. He argued that the BRS was the party that had fought for the state until suffering real losses in the process, and said they remained ready to keep making sacrifices — but that the government needed to address farmers' actual water needs rather than trading accusations.

Neither side has signalled any de-escalation, and with drought conditions persisting and the dam safety recommendations still in place, the underlying irrigation dispute remains unresolved even as the political fallout from Reddy's remarks continues to dominate the conversation.

Revanth Reddy Backs Rahul Gandhi as INDIA Bloc’s 2029 PM Candidate

Telangana Chief Minister pitches Rahul as face of opposition alliance while flagging voter demand for quick results

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday strongly advocated for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to be projected as the prime ministerial face of the INDIA bloc for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He said the Congress would take the lead by announcing Rahul Gandhi’s name and then work to convince its alliance partners.

Speaking at a news conclave, Revanth Reddy made it clear that the move was not driven by any personal ambition on Rahul Gandhi’s part. “Becoming Prime Minister is not Rahul’s personal desire,” he said, adding that he had personally convinced the Congress MP to accept the responsibility during a recent meeting in Vikarabad.

The statement marks a significant intervention from a key Congress chief minister at a time when the opposition alliance is still navigating questions over leadership and strategy after recent electoral setbacks.

Allies to be Persuaded

Revanth Reddy outlined a clear sequence. The Congress, he said, would first declare Rahul Gandhi as its choice and then engage with INDIA bloc partners to build consensus. He expressed confidence that allies could be brought on board once the Congress took a firm position.

His remarks come amid competing signals within the opposition. Leaders from Trinamool Congress and DMK have earlier floated the names of Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin as possible prime ministerial candidates. However, the political landscape has shifted following assembly election outcomes in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Setbacks for Regional Heavyweights

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress was ousted from power in West Bengal after a decade in office. In Tamil Nadu, the DMK government led by M.K. Stalin also faced defeat. These developments have altered equations within the INDIA bloc, opening the door for fresh discussions on leadership.

Revanth Reddy’s pitch positions Rahul Gandhi as a unifying national figure capable of leading the alliance into the next general elections. The Telangana leader, who has emerged as one of the more assertive voices in the Congress, emphasised the need for the bloc to present a clear alternative.

‘Swiggy-Style Politics’ Concern

In a candid remark that reflected changing voter expectations, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the public’s evolving mindset towards politics. He observed that people now seek “Swiggy-style politics” — expecting instant delivery and direct results, much like quick commerce services.

This observation underscores the challenge facing political parties as voters, particularly younger demographics, demand faster governance outcomes and visible deliverables over traditional political processes.

Personal Equation with Naidu

Revanth Reddy also touched upon his own political journey. He recalled working in the Telugu Desam Party for nearly a decade and said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu still treats him with respect. Before switching to Congress, he had personally informed Naidu of his decision in Vijayawada, he added.

The reference highlights the fluid nature of political relationships in southern India and Revanth Reddy’s effort to strike a note of civility even while positioning his party strongly against the NDA.

Timing and Significance

The Telangana Chief Minister’s intervention assumes importance as the INDIA bloc looks to regroup ahead of upcoming state polls and the 2029 national contest. With Congress yet to formally announce its strategy, Revanth Reddy’s remarks could set the tone for internal discussions.

Party insiders say the focus remains on strengthening organisational machinery and presenting a coherent narrative. Rahul Gandhi has been actively touring different states and focusing on issues of unemployment, inequality, and institutional autonomy.

While reactions from other INDIA constituents are awaited, Revanth Reddy’s public backing adds momentum to the idea of Rahul Gandhi as the central face of the opposition. It also signals that Congress is keen to assert its role within the alliance rather than play a secondary part.

Political observers note that success will ultimately depend on how effectively the bloc manages internal contradictions and presents a joint front on key national issues. For now, Revanth Reddy has thrown his weight behind Rahul Gandhi, setting the stage for what could be a prolonged conversation within the opposition camp.