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.

Addressing party workers, Navin alleged that Congress leaders continue to operate with an “Italian mindset,” a remark widely seen as an indirect reference to senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. He claimed that such politics has hindered the country's progress and weakened efforts aimed at ensuring long-term stability and development.

The BJP leader said political parties should focus on national interests rather than what he described as divisive politics. He argued that India’s growth depends on political stability, transparent governance and development-oriented policies.

During his speech, Navin also raised allegations related to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, one of Telangana’s largest infrastructure projects. He accused Congress leaders of attempting to shield alleged irregularities linked to the project and claimed that public resources had not been utilized effectively.

The Congress has repeatedly denied allegations of corruption and has often countered similar accusations by targeting both the BJP and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on governance-related issues. However, Navin used the occasion to reiterate the BJP’s demand for accountability in matters involving public expenditure and infrastructure development.

A significant portion of his address focused on former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. Navin alleged that Congress failed to give Rao the respect he deserved despite his contributions to the country. He described Rao as one of India's most influential leaders and argued that his legacy was not adequately acknowledged by his own party.

The remarks are politically significant in Telangana, where Narasimha Rao remains a respected figure. His role in India's economic reforms and national politics continues to hold relevance across party lines.

Navin also questioned the pace of Telangana’s development more than a decade after the state's formation. Telangana was created in 2014 following a prolonged movement for separate statehood, and political parties continue to debate whether the aspirations of the movement have been fully realized.

According to the BJP leader, the state still faces governance challenges that require a new political approach. He alleged that regional and national opposition parties have failed to deliver the level of development expected by citizens and called for greater public support for the BJP.

The BJP leader further accused Congress, the BRS and Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM of engaging in political arrangements that, in his view, prioritize electoral interests over development. The parties involved have previously rejected similar allegations and maintained that their political strategies are aimed at serving the people of Telangana.

Looking ahead to upcoming local body and municipal elections, Navin urged party workers to strengthen the BJP's organizational presence across the state. He called for the establishment of a “double-engine government,” a term frequently used by the BJP to describe governance by the party at both the Centre and the state level.

The BJP has been working to expand its footprint in Telangana, where it sees opportunities to emerge as a stronger political force. Navin told party workers that the goal of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) would require rapid development across all states, including Telangana.

His remarks come at a time when political activity in Telangana is intensifying ahead of future electoral contests, with major parties sharpening their campaigns and positioning themselves around issues of governance, development and regional aspirations.

The brutal killing of stray dogs in Telangana has triggered widespread outrage after reports confirmed that around 900 dogs were culled in just one month, allegedly following promises made during Gram Panchayat elections. The most recent case comes from Pegadapalli village in Jagtial district, where nearly 300 stray dogs were killed using poisonous injections.

According to animal rights activists, the village sarpanch had allegedly promised voters freedom from stray dogs during the December election campaign. What followed, they claim, was a systematic and illegal extermination drive—raising serious questions about governance, accountability, and animal welfare in rural India.

FIR Filed Under Animal Cruelty Laws

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The complaint names the sarpanch and gram panchayat secretary as responsible, alleging they hired individuals to kill stray dogs.

Police officials confirmed that 70 to 80 dog carcasses were recovered from a burial site in the village. Preliminary findings suggest the bodies were buried three to four days before discovery. Authorities have stated that the post-mortem report is awaited, and the investigation is ongoing.

Pattern Emerges After Panchayat Elections

This is not an isolated incident. The first case surfaced on January 14, and since then, reports of mass killings have emerged from multiple districts. Earlier in January:

 600 stray dogs were allegedly poisoned across villages

 200–300 dogs were killed in five villages of Palvancha Mandal

 300 dogs were reportedly killed in Shyamapet and Arepally villages of Hanamkonda district

Police have registered cases against over 20 individuals, including multiple village heads and sarpanches, some of them women leaders.

Why This Issue Matters Right Now

The stray dogs killed in Telangana case highlights a disturbing trend where election promises override legality and humanity. Experts argue that animal birth control (ABC) programs and vaccination drives are the only lawful solutions to manage stray dog populations.

 “Killing stray animals is not just illegal—it’s ineffective and cruel,” said an animal welfare activist, adding that such acts create public health risks rather than solving them.

The Road Ahead: Accountability and Awareness

As investigations continue, this incident has sparked renewed calls for:

 Strict enforcement of animal protection laws

 Accountability of elected local representatives

 Public awareness on humane stray animal management

The tragic deaths of hundreds of voiceless animals have turned into a moral test for rural governance in Telangana. Whether justice is delivered will set a crucial precedent for animal welfare across the country.