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.