Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy speaking in Telangana Assembly on Saturday (March 15, 2025)
| Photo Credit: Screengrab of video on handle @TelanganaCMO on X
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed strong displeasure over the use of objectionable language in the discourse on social media, especially YouTube.
Reacting sharply in the Assembly on Saturday (March 15, 2025)he warned that those making offensive remarks would be dealt with sternly, stating, “If anyone makes objectionable comments at their will, they could be ‘stripped and paraded’. But I would like to act according to the law.”
The Chief Minister also emphasised the need to define journalists in the State, urging Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to allow a detailed discussion on the role of journalists, media persons, social media influencers, and the language used by them.
Accuses BRS of encouraging disgusting language
“I do not care how long I remain in power. What matters is how we govern. I will not engage in mean politics. I can’t remain silent for the sake of positions that do not bring self-respect. I will remain upright and firm as long as I live,” he asserted, accusing the Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of encouraging the disgusting language to disturb him.
This “vicious and poisonous culture” where politicians and their family members, particularly women, were subjected to abusive and degrading language is spreading due to BRS leaders, he said and warned BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao against encouraging such an unhealthy trend. He stated that he would take strict action against ‘rogue journalists’ within the framework of existing laws.
CM calls for amendments to laws governing journalism
The Chief Minister also called for amendments to the current laws governing journalism to clearly define journalists and differentiate them from those misusing the profession. “We will deal with non-journalists like any criminal or anti-social element once the definition is established,” he said.
He alleged that he and his family had been personally targeted by individuals working at the behest of the BRS. However, he pointed out that he was not alone, as several MLAs and ministers also fell victim to this trend, particularly where women members of their families were concerned.
Mr. Reddy’s remarks came in response to the recent arrests of two women YouTubers in the State. He suggested that Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy convene a meeting with journalist unions and other stakeholders to devise measures to curb this growing problem.
He recalled that even during the peak of the Telangana movement, journalists had refrained from using derogatory language. He noted that certain media channels that resorted to satirical language at that time had faced temporary bans.
Published – March 15, 2025 05:37 PM is
