Revanth Reddy Faces Backlash After Citing Hitler As Inspiration For HYDRAA

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has triggered a political controversy after stating he drew inspiration from German dictator Adolf Hitler to name and conceptualize the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). Speaking at a conclave in Bengaluru on Saturday, Reddy defended the agency's demolition drive in Hyderabad, prompting sharp criticism from opposition leaders in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

During the conclave, Reddy explained his reasoning behind the agency's name. "Hydra, the word is Hitler’s favourite word. His core team was called Hydra, which could assassinate anyone. So, I have taken inspiration from Hitler and named it HYDRAA," he said.

Despite the controversy surrounding HYDRAA's demolition of encroachments, the Chief Minister defended its operations. He stated that the agency was protecting lakes and safeguarding government lands in Hyderabad. He also suggested that this model should be replicated to tackle environmental challenges, flooding, and illegal encroachments in other major cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi.

The remarks drew strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Union Minister and Secunderabad BJP MP G Kishan Reddy accused the Chief Minister of having an "Emergency mindset" and demanded an unconditional apology. He alleged that the Congress has always muzzled the people of the country and criticized the comparison of demolitions in Hyderabad to actions in war-torn countries.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticized the statement on social media, calling it a reflection of a "dictatorial" mindset. He questioned whether senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would take action against the Chief Minister for openly boasting about Hitler's inspiration.

HYDRAA has recently faced legal scrutiny over its demolition activities. Earlier this year, the Telangana High Court expressed strong displeasure, comparing the agency's demolition actions to a "war-like situation." In April, the High Court ordered a status quo and restricted HYDRAA's future activities following a petition concerning the demolition of a century-old structure on farmland owned by 98-year-old petitioner M A Shareef.