Revanth Reddy Claims PM Modi “Legally Converted” to Backward Class, Sparks Backlash from BJP

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy found himself in the midst of a massive political controversy following his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s caste status. Reddy claimed that Modi, while identifying as a member of a backward class, was not born into it. Instead, Reddy argued, Modi belongs to a "legally converted backward class" after a legislative change in Gujarat.

"PM Modi claims to be from a backward class, but he is not from a backward class by birth. He is a legally converted backward class. I am choosing my words carefully. Till he became chief minister in 2001, he was among the forward castes. After he became chief minister, he shifted his caste's category from forward to backward by enacting a legislation,” said Reddy, speaking at a Congress event on Friday.

Reddy also took aim at Modi's attitude toward backward classes, asserting, "He says he is in the chair as a backward class. He may hold a caste certificate as a backward class but his mindset is anti-backward class."

The BJP quickly fired back at Reddy’s comments. Spokesperson RP Singh accused the Telangana chief minister of making controversial statements to grab attention, rather than focusing on his work. "He does not do any work and wants to ensure he makes headlines by making such controversial statements. He had earlier said (former chief minister) K Chandrashekar Rao had 'Bihari genes', thereby insulting all of Bihar. He should talk only after finding out all the facts," Singh said.

K Laxman, the national president of the BJP’s OBC (Other Backward Classes) Morcha, also criticized Reddy's remarks. He pointed out that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had previously made similar claims, which did not resonate well with the public. "Mr. Reddy’s comment on PM Modi’s caste is absolutely false. Rahul Gandhi had also made a similar remark and fallen in the eyes of the people. Why do people from the Congress keep commenting on the PM’s caste? Reddy could not fulfill the promises and guarantees that he made to the people of Telangana, who are angry, and is making such statements to distract from the real issues," Laxman said.

This controversy erupted amidst ongoing debates over a caste survey in Telangana. On February 4, the Telangana government presented partial details from its caste survey in the state Assembly, which sparked opposition criticism, including from the BJP and BRS. These parties argued that the survey was incomplete, and some Congress leaders also raised concerns about the accuracy of the data. In response, the state government announced a second round of the survey, scheduled to cover 3.1% of the population who did not participate in the initial round. This second phase is set to run from Sunday to February 28.