Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has found himself in a political controversy after claiming that the state’s anti-encroachment agency HYDRAA drew inspiration from Adolf Hitler, prompting strong condemnation from the BJP and other opposition parties.
Speaking at The Hindu Huddle 2026 event in Bengaluru on June 6, Mr. Revanth Reddy defended the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), which has been aggressively removing illegal encroachments to protect lakes, government lands, and mitigate urban flooding. In his remarks, the Chief Minister said, ‘HYDRAA is Hitler’s favourite word. His core team, who could assassinate anyone, was called Hydra. So I have taken inspiration from Hitler and named it HYDRAA.’
BJP’s Rebuttal
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted swiftly and sharply. Union Minister and Secunderabad MP G. Kishan Reddy accused the Congress leader of displaying a ‘dangerous Hitler and Emergency mindset,’ linking the comments to Rahul Gandhi’s rhetoric. He demanded an unconditional apology from CM Revanth Reddy to the people of Telangana.
Other BJP leaders described the remarks as deeply disturbing and accused the Congress government of glorifying authoritarian tactics while carrying out demolitions. The party has framed the statement as evidence of Congress’s intolerant approach towards dissent and governance by force.
Broader Context and HYDRAA’s Role
HYDRAA, launched in 2024, has reclaimed over 1,000 acres of encroached land in and around Hyderabad. The agency’s actions, while praised by the government for environmental protection and preventing urban disasters, have drawn criticism for alleged high-handedness and impact on vulnerable residents. Several cases are currently under judicial scrutiny.
In the same address, CM Revanth Reddy also touched upon centre-state relations, alleging financial discrimination against southern states like Telangana despite their higher tax contributions. He warned against any punitive approach in the upcoming delimitation exercise based on population control achievements by southern states. These remarks have further intensified the ongoing North-South political debate.
Opposition Reactions
BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) slammed the Chief Minister, calling HYDRAA an ‘assassination agency’ and accusing him of revealing a fascist style of governance. Other opposition voices, including BRS and local leaders, have mocked the analogy and demanded clarity or withdrawal of the statement.
As of now, CM Revanth Reddy has not issued a direct clarification or apology on the Hitler reference. The controversy has added fresh fuel to the already charged political atmosphere in Telangana ahead of future electoral battles, particularly with the BJP aiming to expand its footprint in the state.